Neurotrophic Factors (None)

Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are a family of biomolecules, primarily peptides or small proteins, that play essential roles in the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons during development and throughout adulthood. They are critical for both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), supporting neuronal maintenance, synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and regeneration after injury. Major families include Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT-3, NT-4/5), GFLs (GDNF), and Neuropoietic cytokines (CNTF).

Other names

NTFsNerve Growth FactorsBrain-Derived Neurotrophic FactorBDNFNGFNeurotrophin 3NT-3Neurotrophin 4/5NT-4/5Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factorGDNFCiliary Neurotrophic FactorCNTF

Neurotrophic factors bind to their respective receptors (Trk receptors, p75NTR, GFRα receptors + RET tyrosine kinase) and activate downstream signaling pathways such as Ras/MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and PLCγ, leading to changes in gene expression, protein synthesis, and neuronal function.