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Gene

BDNF

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) encodes a neurotrophin that promotes the survival, growth, and differentiation of neurons and signals mainly through the TrkB receptor to strengthen synaptic connections. Activity-dependent BDNF release drives long-term potentiation in the hippocampus and cortex, and the common Val66Met variant (rs6265) alters this activity-dependent secretion, which is why BDNF is studied for individual differences in learning and neuroplasticity.

Traits BDNF shapes

Markers (rsIDs)

Reference databases

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