title: Pro-region of neurotrophins: role in synaptic modulation.
abstract: Neurotrophins are synthesized first as precursors, followed by maturation through proteolytic removal of the "pro" region. Since pro- and mature neurotrophins elicit opposite functional effects by differential interactions with Trks and p75 receptors, extracellular cleavage represents a new way to control the synaptic functions of neurotrophins. A single nucleotide mutation in the pro-region appears to affect synaptic targeting and activity-dependent secretion of BDNF in hippocampal neurons. These results demonstrate new mechanisms by which neurotrophins regulate synaptic plasticity and memory function.
authors.affiliation: Section on Neural Development and Plasticity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. bailu@mail.nih.gov
authors.forename: Bai
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000502:physiology; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D017354:Point Mutation; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D020800:Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor; D020917:Receptor, trkA / Q000378:metabolism; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D020800:Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor; D017475:Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor; D020917:Receptor, trkA