Neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), can protect neurons against death, as observed for in vivo and in vitro models of acute (stroke, trauma, and seizures) and chronic (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases) neurodegenerative diseases [8]. The gene discussed is BDNF; the disease is neurodegenerative disease.