Exercise as Gene Therapy: BDNF and DNA Damage Repair

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Robin H. Schmidt, Emory University; John Nickerson, Emory University; Jeffrey Boatright, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2016-07-01
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/APO.0000000000000226
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology
• ISSN: 2162-0989
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 4
• Start Page: 309
• End Page: 311
• Grant/Funding Information: We are grateful for support provided by the Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Foundation (J.H.B.), NIH R01EY014026 (J.H.B.), R01EY021592 (J.M.N.), R01EY016470 (J.M.N.), VA RR&D C1924P I21RX001924 (J.H.B.), VA RR&D C9246C (Atlanta VA Center of Excellence in Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation), P30EY006360, and an unrestricted grant to the Department of Ophthalmology at Emory University from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc.
• Keywords: Gene Editing; Humans; Clinical Studies as Topic; Animals; Oxidative Stress; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Exercise
• Research Categories: Education, Physical; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery

Abstract

DNA damage is a common feature of neurodegenerative illnesses, and the ability to repair DNA strand breaks and lesions is crucial for neuronal survival, reported by Jeppesen et al (Prog Neurobiol. 2011;94:166-200) and Shiwaku et al (Curr Mol Med. 2015;15:119-128). Interventions aimed at repairing these lesions, therefore, could be useful for preventing or delaying the progression of disease. One potential strategy for promoting DNA damage repair (DDR) is exercise. Although the role of exercise in DDR is not understood, there is increasing evidence that simple physical activity may impact clinical outcomes for neurodegeneration. Here, we discuss what is currently known about the molecular mechanisms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and how these mechanisms might influence the DDR process.