Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: Its role in energy balance and cancer cachexia.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in the development of the central and peripheral nervous system during embryogenesis. In the mature central nervous system, BDNF is required for the maintenance and enhancement of synaptic transmissions and the survival of neurons. Particularly, it is involved in the modulation of neurocircuits that control energy balance through food intake, energy expenditure, and locomotion.

Role of Reduced Bdnf Expression in Novel Apc Mutant Allele-induced Intestinal and Colonic Tumorigenesis in Mice.

Background/aim: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor of the neurotrophin family. Recent studies indicate that its expression is regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In this study, we aimed to examine the effects of reduced Bdnf levels in an Apc mutant intestinal/colonic tumor mouse model.