The tyrosine kinase receptor TrkA (or
neurotrophin receptor kinase 1, NTRK1) has been predominately studied for its
role during the development of the nervous system. In developing neurons, TrkA
activation upon binding of its ligands nerve growth factor (NGF) or
neurotrophin-3(NT-3) results in the stimulation of various tyrosine
kinase-induced signaling pathways leading to neuronal outgrowth. In the adult,
where neurogenesis is largely reduced, TrkA acts as a pain receptor in sensory
neurons and contributes to the transmission of pain signals to the central
nervous system. Interestingly, TrkA is also oncogenic and there is accumulating
evidence for its overexpression and involvement in cancer progression ,
including in the form of TrkA fusion proteins as described in lung cancer.
Furthermore, TrkA is a therapeutic target in oncology and Trk inhibitors are being
tested in several clinical trials.
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