Releasing Mechanism of Neurotrophic Factors via Polysialic Acid.

Neurotrophins are well-characterized neurologically active molecules in the central nervous system. The regulation of these signaling molecules, which are involved in cell growth, differentiation, and survival, is critical for normal brain function. Among the different types of neurotrophins, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in various brain functions, including memory consolidation, synaptic plasticity, and adult neurogenesis, and is therefore a key molecule for understanding comprehensive brain function and neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases. The concentration of BDNF in body fluid is highly related to several neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases, including Alzheimer's diseases, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. In the present review, the mechanisms by which BDNF is released from secretory vesicles are reviewed, with a particular focus on the recently described glycan-mediated release. In addition, the impact of glycan-mediated BDNF release on psychiatric disorders is also discussed.