Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been firmly implicated in the synaptic plasticity of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), which make BDNF as an important regulator of memory and emotion. In this review we will discuss our knowledge about the multiple intracellular signaling pathways activated by BDNF, and the regulation of intracellular trafficking of BDNF/TrkB in synaptic plasticity, memory and emotion. Alternations in BDNF/TrkB trafficking has been shown to be involved in memory deficits and mood disorders. Future studies could explore targeting the regulation of BDNF/TrkB trafficking to devise BDNF-based therapeutics for human memory and mood disorders.
© 2026. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.