Intronic enhancer region governs transcript-specific expression in rodent neurons.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) controls the survival, growth, and function of neurons both during the development and in the adult nervous system. is transcribed from several distinct promoters generating transcripts with alternative 5' exons. transcripts initiated at the first cluster of exons have been associated with the regulation of body weight and various aspects of social behavior, but the mechanisms driving the expression of these transcripts have remained poorly understood.