Neurotrophin

Function

Neurotrophins (NT) are survival factors for sympathetic and sensory neurons and control a number of aspects of survival, development and function of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems^[1]. There are 4 mammalian NTs and they are activated by the family of the receptor tyrosine kinases TrkA (see High affinity nerve growth factor), TrkB (see TrkB tyrosine kinase receptor), TrkC. NTs activate the p75 neurotrophin receptor which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily.

Disease

Relevance

Alterations in NTs levels were implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease and Huntington disease as well as psychiatric disorders including depression and substance abuse^[2].

Structural highlights