High impact information on bdnf

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and TrkB tyrosine kinase receptor gene expression in zebrafish embryo and larva [1].
• In the 4-day-old larva, a small subset of specialized sensory cells on the surface and cells in deeper structures including the gill arches, fin, and cloaca express the BDNF gene at high levels in a promoter-specific fashion [1].
• The gene encoding zebrafish brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was cloned from a PAC genomic DNA library [2].
• We show here that in contrast to mammals, the genes encoding the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the neurotrophin receptor TrkB are expressed throughout embryonic development in the zebrafish [1].
• In situ hybridization analyses of 4-day-old larvae revealed BDNF transcripts in the retina, brain, otic vesicle, pectoral fin and the hair cells of the neuromast [3].

Biological context of bdnf

• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in the developing zebrafish [3].
• RESULTS: The cloning and analysis of three additional zebrafish (Danio rerio) BDNF gene exons and two associated promoters, is reported [4].
• BACKGROUND: Cell-specific expression of the gene that encodes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is required for the normal development of peripheral sensory neurons and efficient synaptic transmission in the mature central and peripheral nervous system [4].

Anatomical context of bdnf

• A novel BDNF gene promoter directs expression to skeletal muscle [4].

Analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic context of bdnf

• Southern blot analysis revealed a unique BDNF gene [3].
• Northern blot analysis detected two heterogeneous populations of BDNF transcripts centered at 1.6 and 2 kb [3].
• The structure of zebrafish BDNF mRNA was established using PCR and cDNA cloning [3].
• The exons were located on the transcription unit, whose overall organization was determined by cloning, Southern blot hybridization and sequence analysis, and compared with the pufferfish (Fugu rubripes) and mammalian BDNF loci, revealing a conserved but more compact organization [4].

References