n. one of a family of growth factors, specifically a neurotrophin. A regulator of nerve growth, it supports neurogenesis and neuron survival. This factor also plays a significant role in regulating synaptic plasticity, thus, linking it with some neurological disorders.
BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR (BDNF): "Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a protein which acts on neurons by regulating their growth."
Cite this page: N., Pam M.S., "BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR (BDNF)," in PsychologyDictionary.org, April 7, 2013, https://psychologydictionary.org/brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor-bdnf/ (accessed May 8, 2021).
