Targeted disruption of the BDNF gene perturbs brain and sensory neuron development but not motor neuron development
KR Jones, I Fariņas, C Backus, LF Reichardt - Cell, 1994 - cell.com
KR Jones, I Fariņas, C Backus, LF Reichardt
Cell, 1994•cell.comBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin, enhances the survival and
differentiation of several classes of neurons in vitro. To determine fts esaential functions, we
have mutated the BDNF gene. Most homoxygote mutants die within 2 days after birth, but a
fraction live for 2-4 weeks. These develop symptoms of nervous system dysfunction,
including ataxia. The BDNF mutant homoxygotes have substantlaliy reduced numbers of
cranlal and spinal sensory neurons. Although thelr central nervous systems show no gross …
differentiation of several classes of neurons in vitro. To determine fts esaential functions, we
have mutated the BDNF gene. Most homoxygote mutants die within 2 days after birth, but a
fraction live for 2-4 weeks. These develop symptoms of nervous system dysfunction,
including ataxia. The BDNF mutant homoxygotes have substantlaliy reduced numbers of
cranlal and spinal sensory neurons. Although thelr central nervous systems show no gross …
Summary
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin, enhances the survival and differentiation of several classes of neurons in vitro. To determine fts esaential functions, we have mutated the BDNF gene. Most homoxygote mutants die within 2 days after birth, but a fraction live for 2-4 weeks. These develop symptoms of nervous system dysfunction, including ataxia. The BDNF mutant homoxygotes have substantlaliy reduced numbers of cranlal and spinal sensory neurons. Although thelr central nervous systems show no gross structural abnormalities, expression of neuropeptlde Y and calcium-binding proteins is altered in many neurons, suggesting they do not function normally. In contrast with mice lacking the BDNF receptor TrkB, motor neurons appear normal in the BDNF mutant.
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