Brain derived neurotrophic factor and neurodegeneration

Authors: Achim C.L.; White M.G.

Source: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Patents, Volume 9, Number 12, December 1999 , pp. 1655-1664(10)

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Abstract:

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was the subject of over one hundred patents in the past three years. The majority of these patents propose new methods to increase its bioavailability and clinical benefit (that is yet to be defined in the adult human nervous system). The major limitation in the current neurotrophic factor (NTF) research, impairing relevant comparisons of preclinical results, is the incomplete methodological standardisation in measuring the effects of BDNF in experimental models. Nevertheless, BDNF has clearly emerged as the leading candidate to become the pluripotent neurotrophic factor that may soon be either the prime factor or at least a universal adjuvant in future neuroregenerative therapies. Furthermore, our current understanding of BDNF receptor biology, especially of the high affinity tyrosine kinase B (trkB) receptor, has spurred research targeting the design of more potent BDNF-like synthetic ligands. Finally, new strategies are currently explored to increase the target availability of BDNF and expand its biological life.

Keywords: brain derived neurotrophic factor; neurodegeneration; neurotrophins; regeneration; therapy

Document Type: Review article

Affiliations: 1: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, BST-S406, Dept. of Pathology, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. Achim@np.awing.upmc.edu

Publication date: 1999-12-01

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