Signalling pathway
Follow the endogenous signal, then distinguish receptor biology from evidence of benefit in humans.
Updated: 2026-09-16
Each edge below comes from an agent-specific source. Status and receptor pharmacology are verified separately.
| Molecule | Type | Receptor / target | Relation | Evidence class | Sources |
|---|
BDNF is an endogenous neurotrophic protein involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Mature BDNF and its precursor proBDNF are distinct forms; the receptor context matters. TrkB, encoded by NTRK2, is a major receptor for mature BDNF. BDNF: record (opens in a new tab)
Mature BDNF binds TrkB, a receptor tyrosine kinase. Receptor activation connects to RAS–MAPK, PI3K–AKT and PLCγ signaling. These are cellular pathways, not clinical outcome measures. The sequence shown is one mature human chain: precursor residues 129–247, 119 amino acids. The receptor length (822 amino acids) refers to its canonical precursor; it does not describe every isoform. The diagram shows one selected interaction, not the complete receptor network. BDNF (opens in a new tab) · TrkB (opens in a new tab)
A randomized trial in 1135 people with ALS compared recombinant methionyl human BDNF with placebo over 9 months. It did not demonstrate benefit on the primary endpoints. Apparent benefits in selected subgroups came from post hoc analyses and require confirmation; they do not turn the overall trial into a positive result. BDNF: study (opens in a new tab)
An intervention reported to increase BDNF is not itself BDNF. To understand such a claim, ask which form was measured, in which tissue, and whether a functional outcome changed. A change in expression alone does not establish improved memory. This distinction helps when reading about Semax and 9-ME-BC. BDNF: record (opens in a new tab)
The articles on GSB-106 and GSB-214 separate cell mechanisms, animal findings and clinical uncertainties.