Neuroprotective Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor signaling in the TAU-P301L tauopathy zebrafish model.

•Expressing human TAU-P301L mutation in Zebrafish neurons leads to BDNF expression decrease without affecting TrkB expression.•BDNF level reduction is associated with axonal development defects and neuronal death within 48hpf.•TrkB antagonist ANA-12 and TAU-P301L leads to comparable axonal phenotype.•Exogenous BDNF supplementation or treatment with lithium or TrkB agonist, rescues TAU-P301L larvae behavioral phenotype