BDNF-TrkB signaling regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission.

The mammalian central nervous system is driven by a delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission that is established during embryonic development and the first years of life. Impair to establish this balance can lead to the development of neurological diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism. Neurotrophins, especially the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), have been shown to play an important role in the establishment of this balance by regulating functional and morphological aspects of GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. In the present project, we will evaluate i) the pre- and postsynaptic contribution of the BDNF-TrkB signaling in the regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission and ii) the specific signaling pathways involve in such as regulation.