Neural pathways neurotrophins

Neurotrophins (NGF brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF neurotrophin-3, NT-3 NT-4 NT-6) are important regulators of neural survival, development, function, and plasticity of the vertebrate nervous system [1]. Neurotrophins generally function as noncovalently associated homodimers. They activate two different classes of receptors, through which signaling pathways can be activated, including those mediated by Ras and members of the cdc42/rac/rho G protein families, MAP kinase, PI-3 kinase, and Jun kinase cascades. 

The kinase family of enzymes participates in many pathways contributing to the modulation of pain responses. Many of these roles are described in the neurotrophin family (see Neurotrophin receptors) and in the actions of GABA and glycine. They are ubiquitous enzymes acting in many different cells. However, their particular activity in neural sensory cells is highly relevant to analgesic development. 

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