Trophic factors.
The various neurotrophic factors influence a wide range of cell functions in the developing, mature and injured nervous system. Recent studies have provided valuable insights on the receptors that mediate these effects and on the intracellular events that follow the binding of the ligand. Although growth factors were known to be expressed by non-neuronal cells in the targets and pathways of neuronal projections, it is now clear that the neurons themselves can also be a source of these molecules. A better understanding of the mechanisms of action of trophic factors on the survival and differentiation of neurons, coupled with advances in methods for the delivery of these molecules to the nervous system have provided an impetus for exploring their use as aids to the protection and regeneration of the injured nervous system.
Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Montreal General Hospital Research Institute, Quebec, Canada.
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Jelsma
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Aguayo
D000818:Animals; D002384:Catalysis; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D016922:Cellular Senescence; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases