Recombinant human BDNF protein (Qk050)

Q: What is a recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

Recombinant Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is a synthetic form of BDNF. Qkine recombinant human BDNF is expressed in E. coli.

Q: What does BDNF do?

BDNF plays a crucial role during embryonic development and the maintenance of the nervous system during adulthood including the survival, growth, maintenance, and differentiation of neurons, growth of dendrites and axons, and synaptic plasticity.

Q: What is the difference between NGF, GDNF and BDNF?

NGF, GDNF, and BDNF are all part of the neurotrophins or neurotrophic factors family. They all regulate the development, growth, and survival of neurons and have more specific roles. NGF is associated with the growth and maintenance of sensory and sympathetic neurons. BDNF and GDNF are both associated with dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurons. In addition, BDNF plays a crucial role in synapses formation whereas GDNF is involved in the growth and maintenance of other glial cells such as astrocytes.

Q: What is the BDNF gene?

The BDNF protein is encoded by the BDNF gene on chromosome 11.

Q: What are examples of neurotrophic factors?

Neurotrophic factors (also known as neurotrophins) include Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and Neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5).

Q: What do neurotrophin proteins do?

Neurotrophin proteins regulate neuronal growth and survival, neuroprotection, neurotransmitter release, synaptic function, and plasticity within the adult central and peripheral nervous system.

Q: What is the role of neurotrophins in programmed cell death?

Neurotrophins promote the survival and growth of neurons by inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a process called neuroprotection.

Product: Qk050 Category: Stem cells

Price range: £250.00 through £3,190.00

Recombinant human BDNF protein (Qk050) image

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of neurotrophin family and plays a crucial role in neural development, maintenance, and function. It stimulates neurogenesis and is also a major regulator of synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection. It is used to maintain neurons and differentiate and mature human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors to cortical and motor neurons and cortical organoids.

Recombinant human BDNF protein has a molecular weight of 14 kDa. This protein is animal origin-free, carrier-free, tag-free, and non-glycosylated to ensure its purity with exceptional lot-to-lot consistency. Qk050 is suitable for the culture of reproducible and high-quality cortical and motor neurons and cortical organoids.

Qkine BDNF is also available as cell therapy grade with extended quality testing and documentation – Qk050-CTG

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Price range: £250.00 through £3,190.00

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Summary:

High purity human BDNF protein (Uniprot: P23560)

14 kDa
>98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry
Expressed in E. coli
Animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free
Manufactured in our Cambridge, UK laboratories
Lyophilized from acetonitrile, TFA
Resuspend in sterile-filtered water at >50 µg/ml, add carrier protein if desired, prepare single use aliquots and store frozen at -20 °C (short-term) or -80 °C (long-term).

Handling and storage FAQ

Download Datasheet

Featured applications:

Differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Differentiation of iPSC derived neural progenitors to neurons
Neural organoid growth and differentiation
Generation of iPSC-derived midbrain organoids
Neural differentiation from pluripotent stem cells

Alternative protein names

Species reactivity

Frequently used together

Related discovery kits

Dopaminergic neuron differentiation kit (Qk517)

Alternative proteins

Recombinant BDNF activity was determined using a NFAT-luciferase reporter assay in transfected HEK293T cells also expressing TrkB. EC50 = 0.58 ng/ml (41 pM). Cells are treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of BDNF for 6 hours. Firefly luciferase activity is measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk050 lot #104465.

Qk050 migrates as a single band at 14 kDa in non-reducing (NR) conditions and upon reduction (R). No contaminating protein bands are visible. Purified recombinant protein (3 µg) was resolved using 15% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptothanol, R) and non-reduced (NR) conditions and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk050 batch #104346.

Further quality assays

Mass spectrometry: single species with expected mass
Recovery from stock vial: >95%
Endotoxin: <0.05 EU/μg protein

Request CoA/animal-free certificate

MSDS file

We are a company founded and run by scientists to provide a service and support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. All our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.

Qk050 Datasheet graph Qkine vs Supplier B

Qkine BDNF was more bioactive than BDNF from an alternative supplier. Recombinant BDNF activity was determined using a NFAT-luciferase reporter assay in transfected HEK293T cells also expressing TrkB. Cells are treated in triplicate with a serial dilution of Qkine BDNF (Qk050, green) or alternative supplier BDNF (Supplier B, black) for 6 hours. Firefly luciferase activity is measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity. Data from Qk050 lot #104465.

Technote | BDNF

Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into dopaminergic neurons. Qkine animal origin-free growth factors BDNF (Qk050), FGF8a (Qk059), GDNF (Qk051) and TGFb3 (Qk054) supported the differentiation of iPSCs into mature dopaminergic neurons within 35 days. Day 35 differentiated mature dopaminergic neurons (A, scale bar = 750 µM, B, scale bar = 300 µM).

Application note | Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into dopaminergic neurons

Protein background

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of neurotrophin family which includes nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin–3/4/5 (NT–3/4/5) [1,2]. BDNF plays a crucial role during embryonic development and the maintenance of the nervous system during adulthood. It mediates many aspects, including the survival, growth, maintenance, and differentiation of neural stem cells and mature neurons [3,4]. It stimulates neurogenesis and promotes the growth of dendrites and axons [5,6]. It is also involved in synaptic plasticity, forming and strengthening synapses in response to experience and learning [7]. Finally, it regulates the neuroprotection as it is involved in neural repair and recovery [8].

In cell culture, recombinant human BDNF supports the survival and growth of neurons and establishes and strengthens synapses. It is used in combination with other growth factors to maintain neurons and to differentiate human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors into neurons [5]. It is used for the differentiation and maturation of dopaminergic neurons with glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), FGF-8a/FGF-8b, and Shh [9–11]. Glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are maintained with combinations of BDNF, GDNF, NT-3, or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) [12–14]. Cholinergic neurons are obtained using BDNF, IGF-1, and NGF [15,16]. Also, the culture of cortical organoids require BDNF and GDNF for maturation [17].

BDNF is released by various cells including neurons, glial cells (astrocytes and microglia), immune cells (T cells and macrophages), as well as skeletal muscles. It has several precursor isoforms and its mature active form is a dimer stabilised by a cysteine knot composed of 119 amino acids and a molecular weight of around 13 kDa [18]. The mature isoform binds to the receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) with high affinity to activate MAPK, PI3K and PLC-γ signalling cascades [19,20]. These pathways are related to the survival of neurons, growth of dendrites and axons, development of synapses, and learning- and memory-dependent synaptic plasticity19. In addition, this protein binds to p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) with lower affinity to activate the NF-kB activation [21].

Impaired BDNF signaling has been linked to several diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, neurological disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders, as well as spinal cord injury [22,23]. Recombinant BDNF and other neurotrophins such as NGF and NT-3 are a growing area of research as potential targets [22,24]. For example, pharmacological agents or gene therapy could increase BDNF production and release which may have therapeutic potential for conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and depression. Also, targeted delivery of this protein could be beneficial to preserve nerve function, promote healthy brain ageing, and regenerate the loss of neurons.

Background references

[1] Maisonpierre, P. C. et al. NT-3, BDNF, and NGF in the developing rat nervous system: Parallel as well as reciprocal patterns of expression. Neuron 5, 501–509 (1990). doi: 10.1016/0896-6273(90)90089-x
[2] Skaper, S. D. The Neurotrophin Family of Neurotrophic Factors: An Overview. in Neurotrophic Factors: Methods and Protocols (ed. Skaper, S. D.) 1–12 (Humana Press, 2012). doi:10.1007/978-1-61779-536-7_1.
[3] Ghosh, A., Carnahan, J. & Greenberg, M. E. Requirement for BDNF in Activity-Dependent Survival of Cortical Neurons. Science 263, 1618–1623 (1994). doi: 10.1126/science.7907431
[4] Hyman, C. et al. BDNF is a neurotrophic factor for dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. Nature 350, 230–232 (1991). doi: 10.1038/350230a0
[5] Brafman, D. A. Generation, Expansion, and Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell (hPSC) Derived Neural Progenitor Cells (NPCs). in Stem Cell Renewal and Cell-Cell Communication: Methods and Protocols (ed. Turksen, K.) 87–102 (Springer, 2015). doi:10.1007/7651_2014_90
[6] Chen, B.-Y. et al. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulates proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, possibly by triggering the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. J. Neurosci. Res. 91, 30–41 (2013). doi: 10.1002/jnr.23138
[7] Bramham, C. R. & Messaoudi, E. BDNF function in adult synaptic plasticity: The synaptic consolidation hypothesis. Prog. Neurobiol. 76, 99–125 (2005). doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2005.06.003
[8] Park, H. & Poo, M. Neurotrophin regulation of neural circuit development and function. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 14, 7–23 (2013). doi: 10.1038/nrn3379
[9] Perrier, A. L. et al. Derivation of midbrain dopamine neurons from human embryonic stem cells. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 101, 12543–12548 (2004). doi: 10.1073/pnas.0404700101
[10] Brennand, K. et al. Modeling schizophrenia using hiPSC neurons. Nature 473, 221–225 (2011). doi: 10.1038/nature09915
[11] Kriks, S. et al. Dopamine neurons derived from human ES cells efficiently engraft in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. Nature 480, 547–551 (2011). doi: 10.1038/nature10648
[12] Fernandopulle, M. S. et al. Transcription-factor mediated differentiation of human iPSCs into neurons. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 79, e51 (2018). doi: 10.1002/cpcb.51
[13] Li, X.-J. et al. Specification of motoneurons from human embryonic stem cells. Nat. Biotechnol. 23, 215–221 (2005). doi: 10.1038/nbt1063
[14] Lin, L., Yuan, J., Sander, B. & Golas, M. M. In Vitro Differentiation of Human Neural Progenitor Cells Into Striatal GABAergic Neurons. Stem Cells Transl. Med. 4, 775–788 (2015). doi: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0083
[15] Liu, Y. et al. Medial ganglionic eminence–like cells derived from human embryonic stem cells correct learning and memory deficits. Nat. Biotechnol. 31, 440–447 (2013). doi: 10.1038/nbt.2565
[16] Nilbratt, M., Porras, O., Marutle, A., Hovatta, O. & Nordberg, A. Neurotrophic factors promote cholinergic differentiation in human embryonic stem cell-derived neurons. J. Cell. Mol. Med. 14, 1476–1484 (2010). doi: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2009.00916.x
[17] Jacob, F. et al. Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Cells and Brain Organoids Reveal SARS-CoV-2 Neurotropism Predominates in Choroid Plexus Epithelium. Cell Stem Cell 27, 937-950.e9 (2020). doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.09.016
[18] Barde, Y. a., Edgar, D. & Thoenen, H. Purification of a new neurotrophic factor from mammalian brain. EMBO J. 1, 549–553 (1982). doi: 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1982.tb01207.x
[19] Colucci-D’Amato, L., Speranza, L. & Volpicelli, F. Neurotrophic Factor BDNF, Physiological Functions and Therapeutic Potential in Depression, Neurodegeneration and Brain Cancer. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 21, 7777 (2020). doi: 10.3390/ijms21207777
[20] Foltran, R. B. & Diaz, S. L. BDNF isoforms: a round trip ticket between neurogenesis and serotonin? J. Neurochem. 138, 204–221 (2016). doi: 10.1111/jnc.13658
[21] Reichardt, L. F. Neurotrophin-regulated signalling pathways. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B Biol. Sci. 361, 1545–1564 (2006). doi: 10.1098/rstb.2006.1894
[22] Mattson, M. P., Maudsley, S. & Martin, B. BDNF and 5-HT: a dynamic duo in age-related neuronal plasticity and neurodegenerative disorders. Trends Neurosci. 27, 589–594 (2004). doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2004.08.001
[23] Mattson, M. P. & Scheff, S. W. Endogenous Neuroprotection Factors and Traumatic Brain Injury: Mechanisms of Action and Implications for Therapy. J. Neurotrauma 11, 3–33 (1994). doi: 10.1089/neu.1994.11.3
[24] Keefe, K. M., Sheikh, I. S. & Smith, G. M. Targeting Neurotrophins to Specific Populations of Neurons: NGF, BDNF, and NT-3 and Their Relevance for Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 18, 548 (2017). doi: 10.3390/ijms18030548

Customer & collaborator data

Maintenance of iNeurons using Qkine animal origin-free BDNF.

iNeurons cultured with Qkine animal-free BDNF (Qk050) developed long neurites and formed synaptic connections. They maintained a neuronal phenotype with the expression of neuron-specific, presynaptic, and postsynaptic markers.

Immunofluorescence images of iNeurons stained for postsynaptic neural markers. iNeurons were stained for the nucleus (blue), tubulin (green), and PSD-95 (yellow). Scale bars = 100 µm (5x magnification) and 20 µm (20x magnification).

In collaboration with Tong Li, Omer Bayraktar, and Maryna Panamarova, Wellcome Sanger Institute

Application note | Maintenance of iNeurons using Qkine animal origin-free BDNF

Morphological and viability assessment of embryoid bodies and dissociated motor neurons cultured with BDNF (Qk050) and GDNF (Qk051).

Brightfield images representing EBs at day 15 (EB15) of differentiation protocol (scale bar = 250 µm) and dissociated MNs from the same EBs after 2 (DIV2) and 5 (DIV5) days in vitro (scale bar = 100 µm).

Application note | Animal origin-free BDNF and GDNF neural growth factors for enhanced iPSC-derived neuronal cultures

Additional resources

Publications using Recombinant human BDNF protein (Qk050)

Human retinal ganglion cell neurons generated by synchronous BMP inhibition and transcription factor mediated reprogramming

Agarwal D et al.
DOI: doi: 10.1038/s41536-023-00327-x
Differentiation of RGC Induced Neurons (RGC-iNs)

Agarwal D & Wahlin K
DOI: dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.14egn2pqzg5d/v2
A short sequence targets transmembrane proteins to primary cilia

Macarelli V, Harding EC, Gershlick DC, Merkle FT.
DOI: doi: 10.3390/cells13131156
Heterogeneity in oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation is dynamic and driven by passive bioelectrical properties

Pivoňková H, Sitnikov S, Kamen Y et al.
DOI: doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114873
Parkinson’s associated protein DJ-1 regulates intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles in oxidative stress

Page T, Musi CA, Bakker SE et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5669239/v1
Profiling human hypothalamic neurons reveals a candidate combination drug therapy for weight loss

Chen HJC, Yang A, Mazzaferro S et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.07.18.549357
Synchronous 3D patterning of diverse CNS progenitors generates motor neurons of broad axial identity

Buchner F, Dokuzluoglu Z, Thomas J et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.13.628384
Neuronal differentiation and activity drive nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the intellectual disability kinase TLK2

Nuhu-Soso L, Denton H, Goffin DL, Hahn I and Evans GJO.
DOI: doi: 10.1101/2025.02.20.639293
Familial ALS/FTD-associated RNA-binding deficient TDP-43 mutants cause neuronal and synaptic transcript dysregulation in vitro

Magarotto M, Gawne RT, Vilkaite G, Mason AS, Chen H-J
DOI: doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddaf111
Proximity proteomics of primary cilia in human hypothalamic neurons

Macarelli V, Sroka TJ, Hansen JN, Axelsson U, Mick DU and Merkle FT
DOI: doi.org/10.1101/2025.05.11.653368
SMN Protein Heterogeneity Drives Intrinsic Motor Neuron Vulnerability through Survival and Activity Related Pathways

Thomas J (Thesis)
DOI: Thesis
Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicles Increase Neuronal Tau expression, Metabolism and Processing Through Tissue Factor and Protease Activated Receptor 2

Featherby SJ, Faulkner EC, Gordon A and Ettelaie C.
DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10571-025-01658-7
Isogenic cortical organoids enable precision targeting of APP variant-specific pathways in Alzheimer’s disease

Grass T, Cosacak IM, Ordureau A et al.
DOI: doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.19.706886

FAQ

What is a recombinant brain-derived neurotrophic factor?

Recombinant Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor is a synthetic form of BDNF. Qkine recombinant human BDNF is expressed in E. coli.

What does BDNF do?

BDNF plays a crucial role during embryonic development and the maintenance of the nervous system during adulthood including the survival, growth, maintenance, and differentiation of neurons, growth of dendrites and axons, and synaptic plasticity.

What is the difference between NGF, GDNF and BDNF?

NGF, GDNF, and BDNF are all part of the neurotrophins or neurotrophic factors family. They all regulate the development, growth, and survival of neurons and have more specific roles. NGF is associated with the growth and maintenance of sensory and sympathetic neurons. BDNF and GDNF are both associated with dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurons. In addition, BDNF plays a crucial role in synapses formation whereas GDNF is involved in the growth and maintenance of other glial cells such as astrocytes.

What is the BDNF gene?

The BDNF protein is encoded by the BDNF gene on chromosome 11.

What are examples of neurotrophic factors?

Neurotrophic factors (also known as neurotrophins) include Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and Neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5).

What do neurotrophin proteins do?

Neurotrophin proteins regulate neuronal growth and survival, neuroprotection, neurotransmitter release, synaptic function, and plasticity within the adult central and peripheral nervous system.

What is the role of neurotrophins in programmed cell death?

Neurotrophins promote the survival and growth of neurons by inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a process called neuroprotection.

Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.

For use in manufacturing of cellular or gene therapy products. Not intended for in vivo applications.

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Recombinant human BDNF protein (Qk050)

Summary:

Featured applications:

Further quality assays

Protein background

Customer & collaborator data

Additional resources

Publications using Recombinant human BDNF protein (Qk050)

Human retinal ganglion cell neurons generated by synchronous BMP inhibition and transcription factor mediated reprogramming

Differentiation of RGC Induced Neurons (RGC-iNs)

A short sequence targets transmembrane proteins to primary cilia

Heterogeneity in oligodendrocyte precursor cell proliferation is dynamic and driven by passive bioelectrical properties

Parkinson’s associated protein DJ-1 regulates intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles in oxidative stress

Profiling human hypothalamic neurons reveals a candidate combination drug therapy for weight loss

Synchronous 3D patterning of diverse CNS progenitors generates motor neurons of broad axial identity

Neuronal differentiation and activity drive nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the intellectual disability kinase TLK2

Familial ALS/FTD-associated RNA-binding deficient TDP-43 mutants cause neuronal and synaptic transcript dysregulation in vitro

Proximity proteomics of primary cilia in human hypothalamic neurons

SMN Protein Heterogeneity Drives Intrinsic Motor Neuron Vulnerability through Survival and Activity Related Pathways

Procoagulant Extracellular Vesicles Increase Neuronal Tau expression, Metabolism and Processing Through Tissue Factor and Protease Activated Receptor 2

Isogenic cortical organoids enable precision targeting of APP variant-specific pathways in Alzheimer’s disease

FAQ

Receive a Qkine gift card when you leave us a review.

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