THE NEUROTROPHINS AND THEIR RECEPTORS - STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND NEUROPATHOLOGY

The neurotrophins are a family of polypeptides that promote differenti ation and survival of select peripheral and central neurons. Nerve gro wth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, neurotr ophin-4, and neurotrophin-5 are included in this group. In recent year s, tremendous advances have been made in the study of these factors. T his has stimulated our review of the field, characterizing the neurotr ophins from initial isolation to molecular analysis. The review also d iscusses their synthesis, localization, and responsive tissues, in bot h the periphery and CNS. The complex receptor interactions of the neur otrophins are also analyzed, as are putative signal transduction mecha nisms. Discussion of the observed and postulated involvement in neurop athological disorders leads to the conclusion that the neurotrophins a re involved in the function and dysfunction of the nervous system.