Dimeric structure and conformational stability of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3.

We have examined the molecular structure of the related neurotrophic factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) by physical methods, including gel filtration, velocity sedimentation, sedimentation equilibrium, urea gel electrophoresis, fluorescence spectroscopy, and far-ultraviolet circular dichroism. The results of these studies indicate that at physiologically relevant concentrations both recombinant proteins exist as tightly associated dimers. The dimers are stable even in 8 M solutions of urea. In solutions of guanidine hydrochloride, BDNF and NT-3 undergo slow unfolding between 3 and 5 M concentration of denaturant. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed approximately 70% beta-sheet and 20% beta-turn content in the native structure of both neurotrophic factors. In this respect, BDNF and NT-3 resemble other polypeptide growth factors whose receptors are also integral protein-tyrosine kinases.     

Chromosomal mapping of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 genes in man and mouse

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NTF3) are two new members of the nerve growth factor gene family, which play important roles in the development and maintenance of the vertebrate nervous system. Here we describe the assignments of the BDNF and NTF3 gene loci to human and mouse chromosomes and discuss the evolutionary relationship of human chromosomes 11 and 12. BDNF has been mapped to human chromosome 11p15.5-p11.2 and to mouse chromosome 2, and NTF3 to human chromosome 12p and mouse chromosome 6.     

The neurotrophic factors brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 are ligands for the trkB tyrosine kinase receptor.

Neurotrophic factors are essential for neuronal survival and function. Recent data have demonstrated that the product of the tyrosine kinase trk proto-oncogene binds NGF and is a component of the high affinity NGF receptor. Analysis of the trkB gene product, gp145trkB, in NIH 3T3 cells indicates that this tyrosine kinase receptor is rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues upon exposure to the NGF-related neurotrophic factors BDNF and NT-3. Furthermore, gp145trkB specifically binds BDNF and NT-3 in NIH 3T3 cells and in hippocampal cells, but does not bind NGF. Thus, the trk family of receptors are likely to be important signal transducers of NGF-related trophic signals in the formation and maintenance of neuronal circuits.     

The trkB tyrosine protein kinase is a receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3.

trkB is a tyrosine protein kinase gene highly related to trk, a proto-oncogene that encodes a receptor for nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). trkB expression is confined to structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems, suggesting it also encodes a receptor for neurotrophic factors. Here we show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and NT-3, but not NGF, can induce rapid phosphorylation on tyrosine of gp145trkB, one of the receptors encoded by trkB. BDNF and NT-3 can induce DNA synthesis in quiescent NIH 3T3 cells that express gp145trkB. Cotransfection of plasmids encoding gp145trkB and BDNF or NT-3 leads to transformation of recipient NIH 3T3 cells. In these assays, BDNF elicits a response at least two orders of magnitude higher than NT-3. Finally, 125I-NT-3 binds to NIH 3T3 cells expressing gp145trkB; binding can be competed by NT-3 and BDNF but not by NGF. These findings indicate that gp145trkB may function as a neurotrophic receptor for BDNF and NT-3.     

Binding of neurotrophin-3 to its neuronal receptors and interactions with nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) has low-affinity (Kd = 8 x 10(-10) M), as well as high-affinity receptors (Kd = 1.8 x 10(-11) M) on embryonic chick sensory neurons, the latter in surprisingly high numbers. Like the structurally related proteins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NT-3 also binds to the low-affinity NGF receptor, a molecule that we suggest to designate low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (LANR). NT-3 dissociates from the LANR much more rapidly than BDNF, and more slowly than NGF. The binding of labelled NT-3 to the LANR can be reduced by half using a concentration of BDNF corresponding to the Kd of BDNF to the LANR. In contrast, the binding of NT-3 to its high-affinity neuronal receptors can only be prevented by BDNF or NGF when used at concentrations several thousand-fold higher than those corresponding to their Kd to their high-affinity neuronal receptors. Thus, specific high-affinity NT-3 receptors exist on sensory neurons that can readily discriminate between three structurally related ligands. These findings, including the remarkable property of the LANR to bind three related ligands with similar affinity, but different rate constants, are discussed.     

Target specificity and size of avian sensory neurons supported in vitro by nerve growth factor,brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and neurotrophin-3

To obtain insight into which subpopulations of sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia are supported by different neurotrophins, we retrogradely labeled cutaneous and muscle afferents in embryonic day 9 chick embryos and followed their survival in neuron-enriched cultures supplemented with either nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). We found that NGF is a wide survival factor for subpopulations of both cutaneous and muscle afferents, whereas the survival effects of BDNF and NT-3 are restricted primarily to muscle afferents. We also measured soma size in each neurotrophic factor. These new data show that BDNF- and NT-3–dependent cells appear to be a mixture of two populations of neurons: one small diameter and the other large diameter. In contrast, based on size alone, NGF-dependent cells appear to be a single population of only small-diameter neurons. Thus, BDNF and NT-3 may have some new, previously unreported effects on small-diameter afferent neurons. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

米诺环素对不完全脊髓损伤大鼠脊髓BDNF和NT-3表达的影响

目的观察腹腔注射米诺环素对改良Allen’s法造成的不完全脊髓损伤大鼠脊髓中脑源性神经营养因子以及神经营养因子3表达的影响,探讨米诺环素治疗脊髓损伤的作用机制。方法成年雌性Sprague-Dawley(SD)大鼠54只,改良Allen’s法造成不完全脊髓损伤,根据实验需要可以分为3组,空白组,只打开脊柱椎板,不损伤;治疗组,大鼠脊髓损伤,并腹腔注射米诺环素;损伤组,大鼠脊髓损伤,腹腔注射等剂量的生理盐水。观察各组大鼠的后肢能力Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan评分,并于不同时段(3d、7d,14d)取大鼠脊髓T8-9段采用逆转录PCR,以及免疫化学组织染色法测定脑源性神经营养因子以及神经营养因子3的表达。结果米诺环素能够明显改善不完全脊髓损伤大鼠的功能,逆转录PCR和脊髓组织冰冻切片免疫组织化学染色DAB都能证实米诺环素治疗组脑源性神经营养因子以及神经营养因子3表达显著增多。结论米诺环素在治疗不完全脊髓损伤大鼠的机制还应与其上调了大鼠体内的脑源性神经营养因子以及神经营养因子3表达有关。     

Developmental changes in the protective effect of exogenous brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 against ototoxic drugs in cultured rat vestibular ganglion neurons

We examine developmental changes in the responsiveness of rat vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs) to two neurotrophic factors (NTFs), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and investigate the protective effects of these NTFs against ototoxic drugs during postnatal development in dissociated cultures. VGNs were obtained from rats on postnatal days (P) 1, 3, 7 and 14. BDNF facilitated neuronal survival as well as neurite sprouting of VGNs obtained from younger rats (P1 and P3), whereas these effects were not observed in older rats (P7 and P14). BDNF was also effective in facilitating neurite extension in VGNs at each of the postnatal ages. NT-3 also facilitated neuronal survival and neurite extension of VGNs from younger rats but these effects were significantly smaller than those of BDNF (p?<?0.05). The protective effects of BDNF and NT-3 against ototoxic drugs, gentamicin and cisplatin, were also age-dependent: they were effective for neuronal survival, neurite sprouting and neurite extension in VGNs from younger rats, whereas these effects tended to disappear in VGNs from older rats. Analysis of the changes in the expression of the receptors of NTFs revealed that expression of TrkB and TrkC proteins and their mRNA did not change during the developmental period, whereas expression of p75^NTR protein was down-regulated together with that of p75^NTR mRNA during the developmental period. Developmental changes in the responsiveness to exogenous NTFs in VGNs, which is not caused by the changes of their receptors but probably caused by changes in the intracellular signaling pathways, should be taken into consideration in the prevention of neuronal degeneration caused by ototoxic drugs.     

The gene encoding bovine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

We present the nucleotide (nt) sequence for the cDNA encoding bovine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The nt and peptide sequences were compared to those of other BDNF genes from other species.     

Effects of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor,neurotrophin-3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on neurite growth from adult sensory neurons in compartmented cultures

We used compartmented cultures to study the regulation of adult sensory neurite growth by neurotrophins. We examined the effects of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT3), and BDNF on distal neurite elongation from adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Neurons were plated in the center compartments of three-chambered dishes in the absence of neurotrophin, and neurite extension into the distal (side) compartments containing NGF, BDNF, or NT3 was quantitated. Initial proximal neurite growth did not require any of the neurotrophins, while subsequent elongation into distal compartments required NGF. After neurites had extended into NGF-containing distal compartments, removal of NGF by treatment with anti-NGF resulted in the cessation of growth with minimal neurite retraction. In contrast to the effects of NGF, no distal neurite elongation was observed into compartments with BDNF or NT3. To examine possible additive influences, neurite extension into compartments containing BDNF plus NGF or NT3 plus NGF was quantitated. There was no increased neurite extension into NGF plus NT3 compartments, while the combination of BDNF plus NGF resulted in an inhibition of neurite extension compared with NGF alone. We then investigated whether the regrowth of neurites that had originally grown into NGF subsequent to in vitro axotomy still required NGF. The results demonstrated that unlike adult sensory nerve regeneration in vivo, the in vitro regrowth did require NGF, and neither BDNF nor NT3 was able to substitute for NGF. Since the initial growth from neurons after dissociation (which is also a regenerative response) did not require NGF, it would appear that neuritic growth and regrowth of adult DRG neurons in vitro includes both NGF-independent and NGF-dependent components. The compartmented culture system provides a unique model to further study aspects of this differential regulation of neurite growth. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 33: 395–410, 1997     

Neurotrophin-4/5, brain-derived neurotrophic factor,and neurotrophin-3 promote survival of cultured vestibular ganglion neurons and protect them against neurotoxicity of ototoxins

The ability of neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and nerve growth factor (NGF) to promote survival of postnatal rat vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs) was examined in dissociated cell cultures. Of the four neurotrophins, NT-4/5 and BDNF were equally effective but more potent than NT-3 in promoting the survival of VGNs. In contrast, NGF showed no detectable effects. As expected, TrkB-IgG (a fusion protein of extracellular domain of TrkB and Fc domain of human immunoglobulin G) specifically inhibited the survival-promoting effects by NT-4/5 or BDNF and TrkC-IgG fusion protein completely blocked that of NT-3. Immunohistochemistry with TrkB, TrkA, and p75 antisera revealed that VGNs made TrkB and p75 proteins, but not TrkA protein. Ototoxic therapeutic drugs such as cisplatin and gentamicin often induce degeneration of hair cells and ganglion neurons in both auditory and vestibular systems that leads to impairment of hearing and balance. When cisplatin and gentamicin were added to the dissociated VGN culture in which the hair cells were absent, additional cell death of VGNs was induced, suggesting that the two ototoxins may have a direct neurotoxic effect on ganglion neurons in addition to their known toxicity on hair cells. However, if the cultures were co-treated with neurotrophins, NT-4/5, BDNF, and NT-3, but not NGF, prevented or reduced the neurotoxicity of the two ototoxins. Thus, the three neurotrophins are survival factors for VGNs and are implicated in the therapeutic prevention of VGN loss caused by injury and ototoxins. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

S100B protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in human milk

Background

Human milk contains a wide variety of nutrients that contribute to the fulfillment of its functions, which include the regulation of newborn development. However, few studies have investigated the concentrations of S100B protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in human milk. The associations of the concentrations of S100B protein, BDNF, and GDNF with maternal factors are not well explored.

Methodology/Principal Findings

To investigate the concentrations of S100B protein, BDNF, and GDNF in human milk and characterize the maternal factors associated with their levels in human milk, human milk samples were collected at days 3, 10, 30, and 90 after parturition. Levels of S100B protein, BDNF, and GDNF, and their mRNAs in the samples were detected. Then, these concentrations were compared with lactation and other maternal factors. S100B protein levels in human milk samples collected at 3, 10, 30, and 90 d after parturition were 1249.79±398.10, 1345.05±539.16, 1481.83±573.30, and 1414.39±621.31 ng/L, respectively. On the other hand, the BDNF concentrations in human milk samples were 10.99±4.55, 13.01±5.88, 13.35±6.43, and 2.83±5.47 µg/L, while those of GDNF were 10.90±1.65, 11.38±1., 11.29±3.10, and 11.40±2.21 g/L for the same time periods. Maternal post-pregnancy body mass index was positively associated with S100B levels in human milk (r = 0.335, P = 0.030<0.05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the levels of S100B protein and BDNF (z = 2.09, P = 0.037<0.05). Delivery modes were negatively associated with the concentration of GDNF in human milk.

Conclusions

S100B protein, BDNF, and GDNF are present in all samples of human milk, and they may be responsible for the long term effects of breast feeding.     

Precursor form of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor are decreased in the pre-clinical stages of Alzheimer's disease

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical for the function and survival of neurons that degenerate in the late stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). There are two forms of BDNF, the BDNF precursor (proBDNF) and mature BDNF, in human brain. Previous studies have shown that BDNF mRNA and protein, including proBDNF, are dramatically decreased in end-stage AD brain. To determine whether this BDNF decrease is an early or late event during the progression of cognitive decline, we used western blotting to measure the relative amounts of BDNF proteins in the parietal cortex of subjects clinically classified with no cognitive impairment (NCI), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild to moderate AD. We found that the amount of proBDNF decreased 21 and 30% in MCI and AD groups, respectively, as compared with NCI, consistent with our previous results of a 40% decrease in end-stage AD. Mature BDNF was reduced 34 and 62% in MCI and AD groups, respectively. Thus, the decrease in mature BDNF and proBDNF precedes the decline in choline acetyltransferase activity which occurs later in AD. Both proBDNF and mature BDNF levels were positively correlated with cognitive measures such as the Global Cognitive Score and the Mini Mental State Examination score. These results demonstrate that the reduction of both forms of BDNF occurs early in the course of AD and correlates with loss of cognitive function, suggesting that proBDNF and BDNF play a role in synaptic loss and cellular dysfunction underlying cognitive impairment in AD.     

Interleukin 1-beta upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor,neurotrophin 3 and neuropilin 2 gene expression and NGF production in annulus cells

The relationship between disc cells, nerves and pain production in the intervertebral disc is poorly understood. Neurotrophins, signaling molecules involved in the survival, differentiation and migration of neurons, and neurite outgrowth, are expressed in non-neuronal tissues including the disc. We hypothesized that three-dimensional exposure of human disc cells to the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1ß in vitro would elevate neurotrophin gene expression levels and production of nerve growth factor (NGF). Cells isolated from Thompson grade III and IV discs were cultured for 14 days under control conditions or with addition of 10² pM IL-1ß; mRNA was isolated and conditioned media assayed for NGF content. IL-1ß exposure in three-dimensional culture significantly increased expression of neurotrophin 3, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neuropilin 2 compared to controls. IL-1ß-exposed cells showed significantly increased NGF production compared to controls. Findings support our hypothesis, expand previous data concerning expression of neurotrophins, and provide the first documented expression of neurotrophin 3 and neuropilin 2. Our results have direct translational relevance, because they address the primary clinical issue of low back pain and open the possibility of novel analgesic therapies using specific small-molecular antagonists to neurotrophins.     

Synthesis and purification of biologically active rat brain-derived neurotrophic factor from Escherichia coli.

The cDNA for rat brain-derived neurotrophic factor was cloned as the prepro and mature sequences into two independent expression vectors under control of the T7 promoter. When these vectors were transfected into Escherichia coli the prepro and mature forms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor accounted for about 20% and 25% of total E. coli proteins, and displayed molecular sizes of 26 kDa and 15 kDa, respectively. Mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor was extracted from E. coli inclusion bodies, refolded in the presence of CuCl2 and purified. The resulting protein had an ED50 of 3 ng/ml in supporting survival of cultured embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons.     

Repeated treatment with mirtazepine induces brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in rats.

Recent studies indicate a role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the pathophysiology of depression, as well as in the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs (ADs). It has been shown that serum BDNF levels are decreased in depressed patients. Moreover, antidepressant treatment increases serum BDNF levels and it is positively correlated with medication response. In addition, repeated administration of ADs induces an increase in rat hippocampal or cortical BDNF gene expression. Since the most potent effect of ADs on BDNF gene expression was found after prolonged treatment, in the present study we investigated the influence of repeated treatment (twice daily for 14 days) of the new AD mirtazapine (5 or 10 mg/kg) on BDNF mRNA level (the Northern blot) in rat hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Imipramine was used as a reference compound. The experiment was carried out on male Wistar rats. The tissue for biochemical assays was collected 24 h after the last doses of mirtazapine and imipramine. We also studied the effect of repeated mirtazapine on the action of the 5-HT2A receptor agonist (+/-)DOI in the behavioral test (head twitches induced by (+/-)DOI) in rats. The obtained results showed that, like imipramine (10 mg/kg), mirtazapine (10 mg/kg) increased BDNF gene expression in both the examined brain regions: in the hippocampus by 24.0 and 26.5%, in the cerebral cortex by 29.9 and 41.5%, respectively, compared with the vehicle-treated control. Neither mirtazapine nor imipramine administered repeatedly at a lower dose (5 mg/kg) significantly changed BDNF mRNA levels in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Repeated treatment with mirtazapine (10, but not 5 mg/kg) inhibited the behavioral syndrome induced by (+/-)DOI. This study provides first conclusive evidence that repeated mirtazapine administration increases BDNF mRNA levels; moreover, it indicates that the enhancement of BDNF gene expression may be essential for the clinical effect of mirtazapine.     

Vascular endothelial cells synthesize and secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an abundant neurotrophin in brain and peripheral nerves, where it affects neural development, survival and repair after injury. BDNF has been detected in rat and human blood, but the source of circulating BDNF is not established. BDNF messenger and peptide were detected in cultured cells and in the culture medium of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The expression of BDNF was up-regulated by elevation of intracellular cAMP and down-regulated by Ca(2+) ionophore, bovine brain extract and laminar fluid shear stress. These results suggest that vascular endothelial cells may contribute to circulating BDNF.