Neurotrophin (NT)

Neurotrophins are a family of signaling proteins essential for the development, survival, and maintenance of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems [1]. The family primarily consists of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) [2]. These proteins function by binding to two distinct classes of receptors: the high-affinity Tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family (TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC) and the low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) [5]. Dysregulation of neurotrophin signaling is linked to a wide range of conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, psychiatric disorders such as depression, and chronic pain syndromes [4]. In oncology, chromosomal rearrangements leading to NTRK gene fusions result in constitutive activation of Trk signaling, driving various solid tumors [3]. Therapeutic interventions include monoclonal antibodies that target the ligands (e.g., Tanezumab for pain) and small-molecule inhibitors that target the receptor kinases (e.g., Larotrectinib for cancer) [3, 4].

Other names

Neurotrophic factorNeurotrophin familyNTF

Neurotrophin signaling is modulated through ligand sequestration by monoclonal antibodies (e.g., anti-NGF), inhibition of downstream receptor tyrosine kinases (Trk inhibitors), or activation of receptors via small molecule mimetics.