Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein found at the connections between nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It is essential for the survival of neurons as it plays an important role in their growth, maturation, maintenance and regeneration; and also promotes neuroplasticity of the brain, which is crucial for higher cognitive functions such as memory, mood and learning.Genetics Home Reference. (2018). BDNF. [online] Available at: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/BDNF [Accessed 19 Nov. 2018]. Liou, S. (2010). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). [online] HOPES: Huntington’s Outreach Project for Education, at Stanford. Available at: http://web.stanford.edu/group/hopes/cgi-bin/hopes_test/brain-derived-neurotrophic-factor-bdnf/ [accessed 19 Nov. 2018].