BDNF

HIGH

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Chromosome: 11p14.1

Gene Overview

BDNF encodes brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a neurotrophin that supports neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. The Val66Met variant (rs6265) affects activity-dependent secretion and is associated with depression, anxiety, and stress-related phenotypes. BDNF is implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder and schizophrenia; stress and early adversity interact with genotype. Expression is regulated by exercise, antidepressants, and environmental enrichment.

Molecular Function

neurotrophin signaling
synaptic plasticity
neurogenesis

Protein class: neurotrophin

Regulatory Annotation

Promoter activity: Activity-dependent transcription; CREB and calcium signaling.

Enhancer associations: Val66Met affects BDNF trafficking and secretion.

eQTL tissues: brain, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex

Tissue Expression Context

brainTPM range: 20-80GTEx vv8

hippocampusTPM range: high

Pathways

hpa-axis

Linked Diseases & Exposures

Diseases

major-depressive-disorder— GWAS/literature, strength 0.78
schizophrenia— literature, strength 0.6

Exposures

psychosocial-stress— G×E literature, strength 0.82

Mechanistic Hypotheses

Val66Met carriers show heightened stress sensitivity and reduced hippocampal volume; childhood adversity amplifies depression risk.

Meta-analyses of G×E; neuroimaging.

HIGH

Confidence Rating

Overall evidence confidence for this gene entry: HIGH

References

1.GTEx Consortium (2020). GTEx Consortium atlas of genetic regulatory effects. Science. doi:10.1126/science.aaz1776
2.Hosang GM, et al. (2014). The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and stress. Molecular Psychiatry. doi:10.1038/mp.2013.123