FUNCTION: Promotes the survival of neuronal populations that are all located either in the central nervous system or directly connected to it. Major regulator of synaptic transmission and plasticity at adult synapses in many regions of the CNS. The versatility of BDNF is emphasized by its contribution to a range of adaptive neuronal responses including long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD), certain forms of short-term synaptic plasticity, as well as homeostatic regulation of intrinsic neuronal excitability. SUBUNIT: Monomers and homodimers. Binds to NTRK2/TRKB. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Secreted protein. POst translation modification: Converted into mature BDNF by plasmin (PLG). SIMILARITY: Belongs to the NGF-beta family. BDNF belongs to the neurotrophin family and regulates the survival and differentiation of neurons during development. The alterations in BDNF expression induced by various kinds of brain insult including stress, ischemia, seizure activity and hypoglycemia, may contribute to some pathologies such as depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease.