Cerebral neurotrophic factor, arginine-rich, mutated in early stage tumors-like 1, Conserved neurotrophic factor, ARMET-like protein 1, ARMETL1.
CDNF, a protein in the ARMET family, supports neuron health and function. It protects neurons from damage caused by 6-OHDA, a toxin that induces neuron degeneration. In cases where CDNF is administered after 6-OHDA-induced injury, it helps restore neuronal function and prevent further degeneration in a brain region called the substantia nigra. CDNF is found throughout the body, in both nerve and non-nerve tissues. Within the brain, its highest concentrations are in the optic nerve and corpus callosum.
Cerebral neurotrophic factor, arginine-rich, mutated in early stage tumors-like 1, Conserved neurotrophic factor, ARMET-like protein 1, ARMETL1.
Cerebral Neurotrophic Factor (CNF), also known as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), is a member of the neurotrophin family. Neurotrophins are a group of proteins that play a crucial role in the growth, development, differentiation, and survival of neurons. BDNF, in particular, is essential for the maintenance and function of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
BDNF is a homodimeric protein, meaning it consists of two identical subunits. Each subunit is composed of 119 amino acids, resulting in a total molecular mass of approximately 27 kDa . The protein is non-glycosylated and is typically produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) for recombinant applications .
BDNF binds with high affinity to the TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B) receptor on the surface of neurons. This binding activates several intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival, growth, and differentiation . BDNF is also involved in synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, a process essential for learning and memory .
BDNF has been shown to support the survival of existing neurons and encourage the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses . It is highly expressed in the hippocampus, cortex, and basal forebrain—areas vital for learning, memory, and higher cognitive functions . Additionally, BDNF is found in the pituitary gland, spinal cord, heart, lung, and skeletal muscle .
Recombinant human BDNF is widely used in research and clinical applications. Some of its key uses include:
Recombinant human BDNF is typically produced in E. coli and purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques . The protein is supplied in a lyophilized (freeze-dried) form and can be reconstituted in sterile water for use in various applications . The purity of recombinant BDNF is generally greater than 97%, as determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) .
Lyophilized BDNF is stable at room temperature for up to three weeks but should be stored desiccated below -18°C for long-term storage . Upon reconstitution, BDNF should be stored at 4°C for short-term use (2-7 days) and below -18°C for long-term use . It is recommended to add a carrier protein, such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA), to prevent freeze-thaw cycles .