The role of BDNF promoter VI in mediating protective effects of prophylactic (R,S)-ketamine.
Briana K Chen, Brenna L Williams, Anna Darling, Kevin G Bath, Keri Martinowich, Christine A Denny
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology August 29, 2026 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-026-02536-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preclinical study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | BDNF-e6 mice |
| Interventions | (R S)-ketamine |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Key points | Argues that BDNF exon VI promoter-driven BDNF production is necessary for (R,S)-ketamine's prophylactic effects, since disrupting this pathway in BDNF-e6 mice abolishes them. |
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon VI promoter is implicated in mediating activity-induced synthesis of hippocampal BDNF. BDNF is implicated in (R,S)-ketamine's antidepressant effects, but its role in (R,S)-ketamine-mediated prophylaxis is unknown. Using BDNF-e6 mice, in which promoter VI-driven BDNF production is disrupted, we tested its necessity for (R,S)-ketamine's prophylactic effects.