Involvement of the VGF/BDNF axis in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease and its potential role in diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract

The brain is a highly plastic organ that continually receives and integrates signals to generate functional and structural changes and homeostatic adaptations throughout life. Alterations in some signaling pathways that mediate these responses can impact brain plasticity, accelerate brain aging and potentially lead to neurodegeneration. There is substantial evidence that two important signaling pathways activated by neurotrophins, nonacronymic (VGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are involved in substantial functions stimulating neuronal growth, differentiation, and circuit establishment during development and neuronal maintenance and plasticity in the mature brain. In this review, we present evidence that these two pathways and their interactions are central players in cognitive performance and alterations in pathological aging, particularly in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Finally, we suggest specific avenues for future research on the basis of recent findings suggesting these molecules are diagnostic biomarkers and putative therapeutic tools to prevent, delay or improve AD neuropathology.