BDNF Val66Met — memory and brain plasticity
One copy of the BDNF Met allele detected (Val/Met).
You have one copy of the Met version of BDNF (and one of the more common Val version).
An intermediate phenotype. Some studies link the Met allele to subtle differences in memory and stress response, but effect sizes are small.
An in-between profile. Some studies link this version to subtle differences in memory and how people handle stress, but the effects are small.
What this means
BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) supports neuron survival and synaptic plasticity. The Val66Met variant affects activity-dependent secretion. Met allele carriers have been studied for small differences in hippocampal volume, episodic memory, and antidepressant response, though many findings are inconsistent across studies. We include this as informational because patients ask about it.
BDNF (short for "brain-derived neurotrophic factor") is a protein that helps brain cells survive and helps the brain form new connections — the basis of learning and memory. The Val66Met version affects how much of this protein gets released when brain cells are active. People with the Met version have been studied for small differences in the size of a memory-related brain region (the hippocampus), in memory for past events, and in how they respond to antidepressants. Many of these findings don't replicate consistently. We include this as informational because it's a question people often ask about.
Caveats
- Replication has been inconsistent across studies.
- Effects are small and context-dependent.
- No clinical decision should follow directly from this result.