Neurotrophins
Product List
NNT1 Human
Neurotrophin-1 Human Recombinant
NT 3 Human
Neurotrophin-3 Human Recombinant
NT 3 Mouse
Neurotrophin-3 Mouse Recombinant
Recombinant Mouse Neurotrophin-3, produced in E. coli, is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain consisting of 119 amino acids. With a molecular weight of 13.6 kDa, this purified protein is obtained through proprietary chromatographic techniques.
NT 4 Human
Neurotrophin-4 Human Recombinant
Introduction
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are a family of biomolecules, primarily peptides or small proteins, that support the growth, survival, and differentiation of both developing and mature neurons . They are crucial for the maintenance and function of the nervous system. Neurotrophic factors are classified into three main families:
- Neurotrophins: This includes nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4).
- Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs): This family includes GDNF, neurturin, artemin, and persephin.
- Neuropoietic cytokines: This group includes ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) .
Neurotrophic factors exhibit several key biological properties:
- Expression Patterns and Tissue Distribution: NTFs are expressed in various tissues, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. For example, NGF is highly expressed in the hippocampus .
- Key Biological Properties: They promote neuronal survival, induce synaptic plasticity, and modulate the formation of long-term memories . They also support neurite outgrowth and neuronal differentiation .
Neurotrophic factors play several primary biological functions:
- Neuronal Survival and Differentiation: They ensure the survival of neurons during development and maintain neuronal function in adulthood .
- Synaptic Plasticity: NTFs regulate synaptic function and plasticity, which are essential for learning and memory .
- Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: While their primary role is in the nervous system, some NTFs also have roles in immune responses and pathogen recognition .
Neurotrophic factors exert their effects through various mechanisms:
- Binding Partners: They bind to specific receptors on the surface of neurons, such as the tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) family of receptor tyrosine kinases (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) .
- Downstream Signaling Cascades: Upon binding to their receptors, NTFs activate several signaling pathways, including the Ras, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) pathways .
The expression and activity of neurotrophic factors are tightly regulated:
Neurotrophic factors have several applications in biomedical research and therapy:
- Biomedical Research: They are used to study neuronal development, function, and regeneration .
- Diagnostic Tools: NTF levels can serve as biomarkers for certain neurological conditions .
- Therapeutic Strategies: NTFs are being explored as potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s .
Neurotrophic factors play crucial roles throughout the life cycle:
