Irisin Regulation of Glutamatergic Synaptogenesis

The exerkine irisin was previously identified as a hormonal link mediating the positive effects of exercise in adult mammals on central Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels with the downstream consequence of increasing hippocampal synaptogenesis, which promotes learning and memory. A role for irisin in hippocampal synaptic development had not previously been elucidated, however these putative neurotrophic actions suggested an effect that phenocopies that of the previously-characterized neurotrophic adipokine, leptin. Characterizing neurotrophin regulation, signaling, and expression during development is critical for understanding the mechanisms underlying typical and atypical neurodevelopment, which is essential for clarifying the etiology of non-monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders.