Recombinant Human BDNF is a 119-amino-acid protein dimer stabilized by hydrophobic interactions, with a molecular weight of 27 kDa . It is expressed in Escherichia coli or baculovirus systems, achieving >95% purity via SDS-PAGE . Key structural features include:
BDNF activates TrkB receptors and the low-affinity p75NTR, triggering downstream pathways:
Proteolytic cleavage of pro-BDNF (precursor) determines functional outcomes: mature BDNF promotes survival, while pro-BDNF may induce apoptosis .
Rescues motor neurons after sciatic nerve injury in vitro (EC₅₀ = 220 pM) .
Enhances dendritic complexity in cortical neurons by 40–60% under activity-dependent conditions .
Restores hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in BDNF-knockout mice .
A phase II trial in 1,135 ALS patients tested subcutaneous BDNF (25 μg/kg vs. 100 μg/kg):
Parameter | 25 μg/kg | 100 μg/kg | Placebo |
---|---|---|---|
9-month survival rate | 85% | 89% | 85% |
Forced Vital Capacity (≤91%) | No benefit | 22% improvement | – |
Adverse effects (bowel) | 12% | 20% | 8% |
Post hoc analysis showed survival benefits in patients with early respiratory impairment .
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Delays motor neuron loss in ALS models and reduces β-amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer’s disease .
Cardiovascular Protection: Activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) via TrkB, improving vascular function .
Psychiatric Disorders: Low BDNF correlates with depression and schizophrenia; supplementation reverses synaptic deficits in rodent models .