Identification and characterization of a novel member of the nerve growth factor/brain-derived neurotropic factor family

Article Abstract:

Neurons (nerve cells) depend on specific neurotrophic factors for survival and maintenance of function. Two neurotrophic growth factors have been previously identified and characterized: nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These two growth factors are structurally similar. Using molecular biology techniques which identify structurally-related genes, a third member of this family of neurotrophic growth factors, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), has been identified and characterized. Although structurally-related, neurotrophin-3 is found in different tissues and has a different specificity for neurons compared with the other two neurotrophic factors. NT-3 was found in all tissues examined including brain, heart, skin, gut, muscle, lung, spleen and liver. It is expressed to a high degree in the cerebellum and hippocampus of the brain. BDNF and NGF are expressed primarily in the brain. Expression of NGF is only slightly detectable in tissues such as liver or muscle. Different types of neurons were cultured with NT-3 to see if the factor would support the survival of the neurons. It was shown that some types of neurons survived when cultured with NT-3 that did not survive with NGF. Thus, a new nerve growth factor has been identified which is structurally-related to the other characterized nerve growth factors, but differs from these growth factors because it supports the growth of neurons in peripheral tissues such as liver and muscle. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Growth, Identification and classification, Nervous system, Growth factors, Nerve tissue

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Molecular cloning and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Article Abstract:

During development of the nervous system, nerve cells interact with cells which release factors necessary for normal development of the nervous system. Nerve growth factor is necessary for the growth and division of nerve cells. Another growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, was recently identified by the isolation of the gene coding for this factor. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is structurally and functionally related to nerve growth factor. However, brain-derived neurotrophic factor is present only in the brain and spinal cord of the central nervous system, while nerve growth factor is present in other tissues outside of the central nervous system. These two factors may be members of a family of factors necessary for growth and development of nerve cells.

Central nervous system, Developmental neurology

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Induction of cell death by endogenous nerve growth factor through its p75 receptor

Article Abstract:

The binding of nerve growth factor to the non-tyrosine kinase receptor p75 is responsible for early cell death during retinal development. This indicates that similar to the cells in the immune system, death of neurons in the central nervous system may be induced by ligands. Endogenous nerve growth factor fails to cause death of retinal neurons that express tyrosine kinase receptors trkA.

Causes of, Physiological aspects, Cell death, Ligand binding (Biochemistry)

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