neurotrophic factor signaling pathway brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway BDNF activates NTRK2 (TRKB) signaling BDNF signaling pathway PW:0000572 The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway plays important roles in the growth, differentiation and survival of neurons, particularly the striatal neurons. BDNF signals via the tropomyosin-related kinase receptor type B (TrkB) to activate PKC, PI3K-AKT and MAPK/ERK intracellular pathways. Impaired BDNF signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of conditions such as Huntington Disease (HD) and psychiatric disorders. Upregulation, on the other hand, is associated with several malignancies. brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor signaling pathway pathway