Neurotrophins and Their Receptors

Abstract

A small family of growth factors known as neurotrophins regulates many different aspects of neuronal function. Although neurotrophins are best known for their ability to promote the survival of embryonic neurons, and to promote growth of neuronal axons, during neural development, neurotrophins also are important regulators of plasticity and synaptic function in the adult nervous system. These functions are mediated by four different receptor proteins—TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, and p75 NTR .