Neurotrophins (NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4) and their transmembrane receptors (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC, and P75NTR) play important roles in the regulation of neuronal and non-neuronal cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and death. Neurotrophin signaling also mediates higher-order neuronal activities, such as learning, memory, and behavior. Alterations in neurotrophin levels and their receptors have been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease, as well as psychiatric disorders. Neurotrophins propagate their signal through activating multiple signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK, PI3K, PKC).

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and its receptor TrkB (also known as NTRK2) play a fundamental role in regulating neural development, survival, and synaptic activity and plasticity. TrkB is also a potential anticancer target, since altered signaling through TrkB promotes tumor formation, survival, and metastasis of various cancers (including neuroblastomas, multiple myelomas, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas). Moreover, growing evidence indicates that BDNF and its receptor influences food intake and body weight control.

CellSensor™ TrkB-NFAT-bla CHO-K1 cells contain a beta-lactamase reporter gene under control of the NFAT Response Element that has been stably integrated into CHO-K1 cells along with TrkB. CellSensor™ TrkB-NFAT-bla CHO-K1 cells express beta-lactamase upon stimulation with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This cell line is a clonal population isolated by flow cytometry and has been tested for robust performance by assessing a variety of assay parameters.