Open Access

Function and application of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor precursors (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Risheng Chen
    • Weixin Chen
    • Ping Li
    • Yingchang Zhao
    • Qianqian Zeng
    • Wenqing Chen
    • Dequan Cao
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: May 8, 2025     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5546
  • Article Number: 105
  • Copyright: © Chen et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Brain‑derived neurotrophic factor precursor (proBDNF) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of various human diseases. Through its interaction with p75NTR and sortilin receptors, proBDNF promotes apoptosis, impairs synaptic plasticity, and contributes to the regulation of immune system function, inflammatory responses and cellular metabolic processes. proBDNF is widely distributed throughout the body, and as such, extensive research has demonstrated that proBDNF is significantly associated with the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying several diseases. In the present review, the mechanisms by which proBDNF contributes to different diseases are summarized to highlight its potential therapeutic and diagnostic implications. Specifically, the role of proBDNF in cognitive disorders, focusing on its effects on synaptic function and neural network dynamics, while analyzing the cascade reactions involving proBDNF and downstream effector molecules in inflammatory diseases, to elucidate its bidirectional regulatory effects in tumor initiation and progression. Furthermore, the function of proBDNF in neurogenesis, the mechanism by which it regulates the memory of fear, and enhances individual behavioral flexibility is discussed. Finally, the potential of proBDNF as a biomarker for disease diagnosis and the therapeutic prospects of targeting it using monoclonal antibodies are highlighted while also proposing future research directions. The present review can serve as a reference for translational medical research on proBDNF and its receptors.
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July-2025
Volume 56 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

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Copy and paste a formatted citation
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Spandidos Publications style
Chen R, Chen W, Li P, Zhao Y, Zeng Q, Chen W and Cao D: Function and application of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor precursors (Review). Int J Mol Med 56: 105, 2025.
APA
Chen, R., Chen, W., Li, P., Zhao, Y., Zeng, Q., Chen, W., & Cao, D. (2025). Function and application of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor precursors (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 56, 105. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5546
MLA
Chen, R., Chen, W., Li, P., Zhao, Y., Zeng, Q., Chen, W., Cao, D."Function and application of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor precursors (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 56.1 (2025): 105.
Chicago
Chen, R., Chen, W., Li, P., Zhao, Y., Zeng, Q., Chen, W., Cao, D."Function and application of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor precursors (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 56, no. 1 (2025): 105. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2025.5546