Neurotrophin-3

Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is a protein that is encoded by the NTF3 gene. NT-3 is a member of the neurotrophin family, which induces the survival of neurons. This protein is widely expressed in the early stages of the nervous system development and in the adult nervous system as well, where it can support the survival and differentiation of existing neurons, and encourage the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses.

Function

NT-3 is synthesized as a precursor (pro-NT3), which can be processed either by intracellular proteases to release the mature NT-3 after its secretion, or secreted as pro-NT3 and then be processed by extracellular proteases. NT-3 can bind to and activate two different types of receptors, the TrkC receptor and the p75NTR receptor, which belong to the Trk receptor family and the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, respectively.

Clinical Significance

NT-3 has been shown to promote the survival and differentiation of neurons and may be useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It has also been implicated in the development of cancer, as it can promote the survival and proliferation of cancer cells.

See Also

• Neurotrophin
• Trk receptor
• Tumor necrosis factor receptor