Neurobiology Virtual Seminar Series

Anne West will present "Transcriptional Regulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor" on Zoom. Please email ladonna.huseman@duke.edu for connection details.
Abstract: Neurotrophins are powerful molecules. Small quantities of these secreted factors exert robust effects on neuronal survival, synapse development, and synaptic function. Key functions of the neurotrophins rely on these proteins being expressed at the right time and in the right place. This is especially true for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which experiences dynamic changes in its expression as a result of activity-dependent transcription. In this talk I will, 1) give a brief history of the discovery and functions of BDNF, including the evidence that the levels of BDNF matter for its action, 2) discuss our research studying how stimulus-specificity is encoded into the molecular mechanisms that regulate Bdnf transcription, and 3) preview studies we are getting off the ground that have the potential to advance the therapeutic utility of BDNF in neurological disorders.