Sex Differences in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling and Functions

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Chi Bun Chan, University of Hong Kong; Keqiang Ye, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2017-01-01
• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jnr.23863
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Neuroscience Research
• ISSN: 0360-4012
• Volume: 95
• Issue: 1-2
• Start Page: 328
• End Page: 335
• Grant/Funding Information: This work is supported by grants from National Institute of Health (R01DK097092, P20GM104934), Presbyterian Health Foundation (Seed Grant) and Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST HR14-117) to C.B. Chan, and NIH R21 AG050793; RO1 AG051538 to K. Ye.
• Keywords: BDNF VAL66MET POLYMORPHISM; brain; MOUSE HIPPOCAMPAL-FORMATION; SEROTONIN TRANSPORTER; signal transduction; Neurosciences & Neurology; gene expression; ENRICHED ENVIRONMENT; Science & Technology; BDNF; RESPONSE ELEMENT; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; FEMALE RATS; DEPENDENT MECHANISM; sex; Neurosciences; PROTEIN-LEVELS; MATERNAL-DEPRIVATION; FACTOR MESSENGER-RNA
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Psychology, Psychobiology

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family that plays a critical role in numerous neuronal activities. Recent studies have indicated that some functions or action mechanisms of BDNF vary in a sex-dependent manner. In particular, BDNF content in some brain parts and the tendency to develop BDNF deficiency-related diseases such as depression are greater in female animals. With the support of relevant studies, it has been suggested that sex hormones or steroids can modulate the activities of BDNF, which may account for its functional discrepancy in different sexes. Indeed, the cross-talk between BDNF and sex steroids has been detected for decades, and some sex steroids, such as estrogen, have a positive regulatory effect on BDNF expression and signaling. Thus, the sex of animal models that are used in studying the functions of BDNF is critical. This Mini-Review summarizes our current findings on the differences in expression, signaling, and functions of BDNF between sexes. We also discuss the potential mechanisms for mediating these differential responses, with a specific emphasis on sex steroids. By presenting and discussing these findings, we seek to encourage researchers to take sex influences into consideration when designing experiments, interpreting results, and drawing conclusions.