Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a nerve growth factor that binds two receptors, the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR) and the tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), to support neuron growth and survival. BDNF expression in the hippocampus is essential for long-term memory storage and learning. Some protein domains of BDNF are identical with those of NGF and another neurotrophic factor, designated NT-3 (Neurotrophin-3). Human, mouse, rat, and pig BDNF are cross-reactive.
