The protein is a member of the nerve growth factor family. It is induced by cortical neurons, and is necessary for survival of striatal neurons in the brain. BDNF is a major regulator of transmission and plasticity at adult synapses. Moreover, the precursor proBDNF and the mature protein mBDNF drive opposite effects on long-term potentiation and long-term depression. BDNF has also been implicated in body weight regulation and activity: heterozygous BDNF knockout mice are hyperphagic, obese, and hyperactive.
