Compound Mimicking BDNF Activities Hold Potential in Developing Novel Class of Neuroprotective Drugs

February 16, 2010

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a cognate ligand for the tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) receptor, is reported as a crucial mediator of neurogenesis, neuronal survival, differentiation and synaptic plasticity. Several studies have suggested the therapeutic benefits of administering the neurotrophic factor for treating various neurologic disorders. Now, a recent study published in the journal PNAS reports the identification of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, a flavonoid derivative possessing similar neurotrophic properties to BDNF, which could revolutionize the currently adopted therapeutic interventions in neurodegeneration