Retrograde neurotrophin signaling: Trk-ing along the axon

DD Ginty, RA Segal - Current opinion in neurobiology, 2002 - Elsevier
Current opinion in neurobiology, 2002Elsevier
Target-derived neurotrophins are required for the growth and survival of innervating
neurons. When released by postsynaptic targets, neurotrophins bind receptors (Trks) on
nerve terminals. Activated Trks signal locally within distal axons and retrogradely through
long axons to distant cell bodies in order to promote gene expression and survival. Although
the mechanism of retrograde neurotrophin signaling is not fully elucidated, considerable
evidence supports a model in which the vesicular transport of neurotrophin–Trk complexes …
Target-derived neurotrophins are required for the growth and survival of innervating neurons. When released by postsynaptic targets, neurotrophins bind receptors (Trks) on nerve terminals. Activated Trks signal locally within distal axons and retrogradely through long axons to distant cell bodies in order to promote gene expression and survival. Although the mechanism of retrograde neurotrophin signaling is not fully elucidated, considerable evidence supports a model in which the vesicular transport of neurotrophin–Trk complexes transmits a survival signal that involves PI3K and Erk5. Other, non-vesicular modes of retrograde signaling are likely to function in parallel. Recent studies highlight the importance of the location of stimulation as a determinant of Trk signaling. Defects in signaling from distal axons to cell bodies may be causally related to neurodegenerative disorders.
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