Neurotrophins and neuronal protection

Investigación

Neurotrophins and neuronal protection: Neurons have a cellular morphology specialized to form neural networks that determine our high mental functions. Neurons receive synaptic inputs on their dendritic three and pass this information though the axon to other neurons. Neurotrophins are small proteins, produced in the nervous system that increases the effective communication between neurons  (plasticity) and also its repair after injury. Increased levels of these proteins by hormones, physical activity or injury of the nervous system is associated with neuronal survival and also with increased plasticity of the nervous system, process that is beneficial for functional recovery after nervous system damage or neuropathology. One of the research interests of the CARE center is to understand the mechanism of neurotrophin signaling and their nervous system level regulation in normal and adverse conditions. This knowledge will generate new clues that will help to open new opportunities for therapeutic interventions.

Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT3, NT4) have important functions in the nervous system including the regulation of neuronal life and death, axonal elongation, neuronal differentiation and structural and synaptic plasticity among others. These molecules exert their function by binding the family of tyrosine kinase receptors (trks) and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75). In opposition to the trks, p75 interact with other co-receptors in the plasma membrane triggering cell death or inhibition of axonal regeneration. These, together with the fact that p75 binds other ligands, in addition to neurotrophins, increases the level of complexity of neurotrophin signaling. Between the cellular processes that regulate neurotrophin signaling are; the proteolysis, internalization and intracellular dynamics of neurotrophin receptors and the mechanism that regulate the secretion and expression levels of neurotrophins.