As adolescence is characterized by major brain changes, in this project we examine the role of the neurotrophic system during adolescence. Neurotrophic factors are crucial for the growth, survival, and maintenance of neurons, and their dysregulation has been linked to mental health disorders. By investigating these factors, we aim to uncover their contributions to the development and progression of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Specifically, we are focused on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor, Tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), and its isoforms- the full-length TrkB.FL and the truncated TrkB.T1. AS BDNF’s binding to TrkB.FL is associated with neuroprotection and neurogenesis, vital for mood and cognition, BDNF’s binding to TrkB.T1 opposes to TrkB.FL and does not promote those BDNF-induced functions.
Furthermore, we check how stress during adolescence may alter the neurotrophic system in various brain regions, and how those changes impact cognition as well as mood disorders such as anxiety and depression