This study investigates the selective release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by platelets and explores whether its precursor protein, proBDNF, is similarly released. BDNF plays a significant role in synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection, while proBDNF induces neuronal apoptosis and reduces synaptic efficacy. The study hypothesizes that the ratio of proBDNF to BDNF could serve as a biomarker for neuronal health. Although BDNF is stored in large amounts in platelets and released upon activation, it remained unclear whether proBDNF behaves similarly.
To clarify this, the researchers assessed proBDNF levels in human platelets and plasma through immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Platelets from healthy volunteers were activated using different agonists, and the release of BDNF and proBDNF was measured. The study confirmed that platelets contain both proBDNF and BDNF, with a molar ratio of approximately 1:5 in platelets and 10:1 in plasma. However, unlike BDNF, proBDNF levels remained stable in both platelets and plasma following activation, indicating that proBDNF is not released during platelet activation.
The study suggests that while BDNF release is a key process in platelet activation, proBDNF might have a different role or origin. The findings highlight the potential of using the proBDNF/BDNF ratio as a non-invasive biomarker for cognitive health, though further research is needed to explore the mechanisms governing this ratio and its relevance to neurodegenerative diseases.
The study's insights into the regulation of neurotrophic factors by platelets could have implications for stem cell therapies like those offered by Novastem, particularly in treating neurodegenerative conditions. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which also harnesses the regenerative potential of platelets, may be enhanced by targeting the modulation of BDNF and proBDNF levels. By understanding how platelets regulate these proteins, stem cell therapies could be better tailored to support neural regeneration and combat neurodegenerative diseases.
- Mechanism of Action: BDNF is released during platelet activation and supports neuronal survival, while proBDNF remains intracellular, suggesting distinct roles for these proteins in neuronal health.
- Clinical Benefits: Targeting the proBDNF/BDNF ratio could provide a new avenue for diagnosing or treating neurodegenerative diseases, with platelet-based therapies offering a potential non-invasive approach.
- Potential for Broad Application: The study underscores the importance of neurotrophic factors in both cognitive health and potential therapeutic applications, including regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy.
#BDNF #proBDNF #Platelets #NeurotrophicFactors #Neuroprotection #SynapticPlasticity #StemCellTherapy
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This study investigates the selective release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) by platelets and explores whether its precursor protein, proBDNF, is similarly released. BDNF plays a significant role in synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection, while proBDNF induces neuronal apoptosis and reduces synaptic efficacy. The study hypothesizes that the ratio of proBDNF to BDNF could serve as a biomarker for neuronal health. Although BDNF is stored in large amounts in platelets and released upon activation, it remained unclear whether proBDNF behaves similarly.
To clarify this, the researchers assessed proBDNF levels in human platelets and plasma through immunoblotting, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Platelets from healthy volunteers were activated using different agonists, and the release of BDNF and proBDNF was measured. The study confirmed that platelets contain both proBDNF and BDNF, with a molar ratio of approximately 1:5 in platelets and 10:1 in plasma. However, unlike BDNF, proBDNF levels remained stable in both platelets and plasma following activation, indicating that proBDNF is not released during platelet activation.
The study suggests that while BDNF release is a key process in platelet activation, proBDNF might have a different role or origin. The findings highlight the potential of using the proBDNF/BDNF ratio as a non-invasive biomarker for cognitive health, though further research is needed to explore the mechanisms governing this ratio and its relevance to neurodegenerative diseases.
The study's insights into the regulation of neurotrophic factors by platelets could have implications for stem cell therapies like those offered by Novastem, particularly in treating neurodegenerative conditions. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which also harnesses the regenerative potential of platelets, may be enhanced by targeting the modulation of BDNF and proBDNF levels. By understanding how platelets regulate these proteins, stem cell therapies could be better tailored to support neural regeneration and combat neurodegenerative diseases.
#BDNF #proBDNF #Platelets #NeurotrophicFactors #Neuroprotection #SynapticPlasticity #StemCellTherapy