The neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR): novel functions and implications for diseases of the nervous system.
Neurotrophins have long been known to promote the survival and differentiation of vertebrate neurons. However, these growth factors can also induce cell death through the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)), a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. Consistent with a function in controlling the survival and process formation of neurons, p75(NTR) is mainly expressed during early neuronal development. In the adult, p75(NTR) is re-expressed in various pathological conditions, including epilepsy, axotomy and neurodegeneration. Potentially toxic peptides, including the amyloid beta- (Abeta-) peptide that accumulates in Alzheimer's disease, are ligands for p75(NTR). Recent work also implicates p75(NTR) in the regulation of both synaptic transmission and axonal elongation. It associates with the Nogo receptor, a binding protein for axonal growth inhibitors, and appears to be the transducing subunit of this receptor complex.
Dechant
Georg
G
Max-Planck-Institute of Neurobiology, Am Klopferspitz 18a, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
Barde
Yves-Alain
YA
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D016923:Cell Death / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020800:Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
D020800:Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor