Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) belongs to a family of growth factors called neurotrophins whose actions are centered in the nervous system. The neurotrophin family includes nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5), neurotrophin-6(NT-6) and the recently cloned neurotrophin-7 Most of biological effects of neurotrophins are mediated by high affinity tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors, although some of them require the binding to a low affini tyreceptor (p75LNTR). NGF binds to TrkA receptors, BDNF preferentially activates TrkB receptors, while NT-3 mainly interacts with TrkC receptors, and at lower affinity with TrkB receptors.
NT-3 is structurally related to other neurotrophins like brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The expression of NT-3 starts with the onset of neurogenesis and continues throughout life. A wealth of information links NT-3 to the growth, differentiation, and survival of hippocampal cells as well as sympathetic and sensory neurons.
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