Definition
Neurotrophic factors are polypeptides that play an integral role in nervous system development and maintenance. They promote neuronal growth, differentiation, and survival in both the central and peripheral nervous systems during development and throughout the lifespan.
Overview
Neurotrophic factors are important for the development and maintenance of synaptic connections necessary for normal brain function in adulthood. Neurotrophic factors are synthesized in both the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) (See “Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System”). They are then secreted through spontaneous cellular release or through regulated release in response to a stimulus (Lim et al. 2003). They regulate neuronal cell survival, growth, and differentiation during the development of the nervous system. Distinct families of neurotrophic factors are classified based on structure and...
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Evangelista, N.D., Woods, A.J. (2019). Neurotrophic Factors. In: Gu, D., Dupre, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69892-2_680-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69892-2_680-1
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