Neuronal and behavioral plasticity: the role of serotonin and BDNF systems tandem

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known as principal players in different kinds of plasticity. The 5-HT–BDNF interaction in early ontogeny and in adult brain is an intriguing problem.

Area covered: This paper concentrates on the interaction between 5-HT and BDNF systems and its implication in different plasticity levels, from neurons to behavior. This review describes (1) different 5-HT functioning in the embryonic (as neurotrophin) and adult brain (as a neurotransmitter); (2) BDNF as a modulator of 5-HT system and vice versa; (3) the prolonged positive effect of BDNF on genetically and epigenetically defined central nervous system disorders; (4) The 5-HT–BDNF interplay contribution to aggressive behavior, depression, drug addiction, suicide, and stress response; and (5) the role of common second messengers for 5-HT and BDNF signaling in the 5-HT–BDNF interaction.

Expert opinion: Dysregulation in 5-HT–BDNF interaction may be responsible for development of neuropsychiatric and behavioral abnormalities. 5-HT–BDNF cross-talk is a potential target for the treatment of various neurological diseases. Understanding the function of the members of BDNF system in response to challenges of the environment and the interaction with different 5-HT receptors in health and disease will one day lead to new classes of drugs.

KEYWORDS:

• Brain
• brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
• serotonin
• 5-HT
• behavior
• BDNF–5-HT interaction
• aggression
• depression
• stress

Article Highlights

• The 5-HT–BDNF interaction is crucial for neuronal, brain, and behavioral plasticity.

• 5-HT and BDNF share signal transduction pathways that can underlay their interaction.

• BDNF can modulate the 5-HT system and vice versa.

• The 5-HT–BDNF interplay contributes to basic developmental processes in embryonic and adult brain.

• Dysregulation in 5-HT–BDNF interaction may be responsible for development of neuropsychiatric and behavioral abnormalities.

• Understanding the function of the members of BDNF system in response to challenges of the environment and the interaction with different 5-HT receptors in health and disease will one day lead to new classes of drugs.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by Russian Science Foundation [grant number 17-15-01021].