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Neurotrophins are a family of molecules that encourage survival of nervous tissue. Neurotrophic factors are secreted by cells in a neuron's target field, and act by prohibiting the neuron from apoptosis. In this way, target neurons are not removed.
The neurotrophin family include nerve growth factors nerve growth factor (NGF), Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin 4 (NT-4). There are two classes of receptors, p75 and the "Trk" family of Tyrosine kinases receptors. p75 is a low affinity neurotrophin receptor, to which all neurotrophins bind. The Trk family include TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, and will only bind with specific neurotrophins, but with a much higher affinity. The Trks mediate the functional signals of the neurotrophins.
References
* "Dissecting the diverse actions of pro- and mature neurotrophins", Curr Alzheimer Res. 2006 Feb;3(1):19-24.
* "Clinical relevance of the neurotrophins and their receptors", Clin Sci (Lond). 2006 Feb;110(2):175-91.
External links
- DevBio.com - 'Neurotrophin Receptors: The neurotrophin family consists of four members: nerve growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin 4 (NT-4)' (April 4, 2003)
- Dr.Koop.com - 'New Clues to Neurological Diseases Discovered: Findings could lead to new treatments, two studies suggest', Steven Reinberg, HealthDay (July 5, 2006)
- Helsinki.fi - 'Neurotrophic factors'
Biology | physiology | Neuroscience | Cell biology | Proteins | Neurotrophins | Neurotrophin | Neurotrofine
"Neurotrophin"