Figure 2.

Retrograde transport of BDNF and neurotrophic factor deprivation in glaucoma.

Notes: At synapse, BDNF is synthesized in target neurons and transported to the postsynaptic site by vesicles. There BDNF molecules are secreted into synaptic clefts, diffuse to presynaptic sides, and bind to surface TrkB receptors. The BDNF–TrkB complexes are next internalized through endocytosis, and retrograde transported to the presynaptic neuron body. In glaucoma, the retrograde transport of BDNF is obstructed, which is termed neurotrophic factor deprivation.

Abbreviations: BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor; TrkB, tropomyosin receptor kinase B.