The genetics of circulating BDNF: towards understanding the role of BDNF in brain structure and function in middle and old ages.

ABSTRACT: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in brain development and function. Substantial amounts of BDNF are present in peripheral blood, and may serve as biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease incidence as well as targets for intervention to reduce Alzheimer's disease risk. With the exception of the genetic polymorphism in the BDNF gene, Val66Met, which has been extensively studied with regard to neurodegenerative diseases, the genetic variation that influences circulating BDNF levels is unknown. We aimed to explore the genetic determinants of circulating BDNF levels in order to clarify its mechanistic involvement in brain structure and function and Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology in middle-aged and old adults. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis of genome-wid

SUBMITTER: Li S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7734441 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature