Neurotrophins

Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that induce the survival, development, and function of neurons. They belong to a class of growth factors, secreted proteins that can signal particular cells to survive, differentiate, or grow. Growth factors such as neurotrophins that promote the survival of neurons are known as neurotrophic factors. Neurotrophic factors are secreted by target tissue and lead to the survival and differentiation of neurons.

History

The concept of a neurotrophic factor was first introduced by Rita Levi-Montalcini in the 1950s to explain the observation that the removal of limb bud from chick embryos resulted in the death of spinal motor neurons. The discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF), the first neurotrophic factor, by Levi-Montalcini and Stanley Cohen in the 1950s, for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986, revolutionized the study of neural development and degeneration.

Types

There are four types of neurotrophins found in mammals, each with a corresponding receptor:

• Nerve growth factor (NGF)
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
• Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)
• Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4)

Function

Neurotrophins are chemicals that help to stimulate and control neurogenesis, the process of generating neurons, which are the working units of the brain. Neurotrophins also promote synaptic plasticity, the ability of the connection, or synapse, between two neurons to change in strength.

Clinical significance

Neurotrophins have been implicated in a number of neurological disorders. For example, decreased levels of BDNF have been associated with Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia. Conversely, increased levels of BDNF have been associated with mania and epilepsy.

See also

• Neurotrophic factors
• Nerve growth factor
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
• Neurotrophin-3
• Neurotrophin-4

Neurotrophins Resources
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