Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor as a Treatment Option for Retinal Degeneration

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2018:1074:465-471. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-75402-4_57.

Abstract

This review discusses the therapeutic potential of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for retinal degeneration. BDNF, nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) and NT-4/NT-5 belong to the neurotrophin family. These neuronal modulators activate a common receptor and a specific tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) receptor. BDNF was identified as a photoreceptor protectant in models of retinal degeneration as early as 1992. However, development of effective therapeutics that exploit this pathway has been difficult due to challenges in sustaining therapeutic levels in the retina.

Keywords: BDNF; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Neuroprotection; Photoreceptor; Retinal degeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / pharmacokinetics
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Dependovirus / genetics
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Genetic Vectors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacokinetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Retinal Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Retinal Degeneration / prevention & control
  • Retinal Degeneration / therapy

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Recombinant Proteins