Neurotrophic factor

Neurotrophic factors constitute a group of cytokines that regulate the development, maintenance and survival of neurons, both in the central and peripheral nervous systems (Table 10.12). Although the first member of this family (NGF) was discovered more than 50 years ago, it is only in the last decade that the other members have been identified and characterized. The major subfamily of neurotrophic factors is the neurotrophins. 

Each neurotrophic factor influences the growth and development of a specific group of neuronal types, with some cells being sensitive to several such factors. Many sustain specific neuronal populations whose death underlines various neurodegenerative diseases. This raises the possibility that these regulatory molecules may be of benefit in treating such diseases. Results from early clinical trials have been at best mixed, but many remain optimistic that neurotrophic factors may provide future effective treatments for some currently incurable neurodegenerative conditions. 

Dallman, M. 2000. Haemopoietic and Lymphoid Cell Culture. Cambridge University Press. 

Erythropoietin and the Nervous System. Springer Verlag. 

Korholz, D. 2003. Cytokines and Colony Stimulating Factors. Humana Press. 

The original understanding of the term neurotrophic factor was that of a soluble agent found in limiting quantities in the environment of sensitive neurons, and being generally 

Glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) 

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) Erythropoietin (EPO) 

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Cytokines and Immunophilins. A large number of inflammatory mediators and related proteins including the cytokines, colony stimulating factors (CSFs), interferons (IFNs), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), growth factors (see Growth regulators), neurotrophic factors, and immunophilins are found in the mammalian CNS and appear to play a significant role in CNS function both in development and in aspects of brain homeostasis (40—43). 

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a neuro-trophin, i.e. a target-derived growth factor, which is expressed in the brain predominantly in the hippocampus. It acts through its tyrosine kinase receptor, trkB,... 

Neurotrophic Factors Pain and Nociception Antidepressant Dtugs... 

A continuous supply of a variety of polypeptide molecules known as neurotrophic factors (or neuro-trophins) is essential to the nervous systems of all vertebrates throughout development as well as in adult... 

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. 

Conserved dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a newly discovered growth factor with a high specificity and activity to promote survival of dopaminergic neurons in vitro and in vivo. CDNF is homologous to an astrocyte-derived growth factor, MANF-1. 

Sleeman MW, Anderson KD, Lambert PD et al (2000) The ciliary neurotrophic factor and its receptor, CNTFRa. Pharm Acta Helv 74 265-272... 

Sendtner M (1999) Neurotrophic factors and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Handbook of exp pharmacol. 134 81-117... 

Neurotransmitter Transporters Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Neurotrophic Factors Corticotropin Releasing Hormone CRH... 

Zhu Y, Antony J et al (2006) CD8-t lymphocyte-mediated injury of dorsal root ganghon neurons during lentiviras infection CD 154-dependent ceU contact neurotoxicity. J Neurosci 26(13) 3396-3403 Zhu Y, Antony JM et al (2007) Didanosine causes sensory neuropathy in an HIV/AIDS animal model impaired mitochondrial and neurotrophic factor gene expression. Brain 130(Pt 8) 2011-2023... 

Takayama N, Ueda H (2005) Morphine-induced chemotaxis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor... 

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