AKT1, ARAF, ATF4, BAX, BRAF, CASP9, CDC42, CHUK, CREB1, CREB3, CREB3L4, CREBBP, CRK, ELK1, FRS3, GAB1, GRB2, HRAS, IKBKB, IKBKE, IKBKG, KRAS, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, MAP2K4, MAP3K1, MAP3K2, MAP3K3, MAP3K4, MAP3K5, MAPK1, MAPK10, MAPK3, MAPK7, MAPK8, MAPK9, MRAS, MYC, NFKB1, NFKB2, NGF, NGFR, NRAS, NTRK1, PDPK1, PIK3C2A, PIK3C2...B, PIK3C2G, PIK3C3, PIK3CA, PIK3CB, PIK3CD, PIK3R1, PIK3R2, PIK3R3, PIK3R4, PIK3R5, PLCG1, PLCG2, PRKCD, PRKCZ, PTPN11, RAC1, RAC2, RAC3, RAF1, RAP1A, RAP1B;RAP1BL, REL, RELA, RELB, RHOA, RHOG, ROCK1, ROCK2, RRAS, RRAS2, SHC1, SHC2, SHC3, SMPD1, SMPD2, SMPD3, SNTA1, SOS1, SOS2, SRF, TP53, TRAF2, TRAF4, TRAF6, TRIO
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One of the most fundamental issues in current biology is how to maintain the critical balance between cell survival and death, both during development and in adulthood. Unrestrained cell division and survival leads to various forms of tumor, while excessi ...ve or premature cell death may lead to a variety of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Multiple Sclerosis. In the nervous system, a family of Neurotrophins, which includes NGF (Nerve Growth Factor), BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor), NTF3 (Neurotrophin3) and NTF4/5 (Neurotrophin-4/5), maintains this critical balance of cell survival and death. The best characterized of these is the NGF, a neurotrophic protein which is important for the growth and survival of diverse peripheral and central neurons. NGF is expressed within discrete CNS (Central Nervous System) areas and is secreted by tissues targeted by sympathetic and some sensory neurons. The effects of NGF on neuronal growth and survival are mediated by a high affinity cell surface receptor TRKA (Tyrosine Kinase Receptor-A) and a low affinity neurotrophic receptor, p75(NTR) (p75 Neurotrophic Receptor). NGF may signal its neuroprotective actions through the TRKA receptor and trigger apoptosis in some cells through the p75 receptor. NGF is the most potent growth factor for cholinergic neurons and it influences the proliferation, differentiation, survival and death of neuronal cells. It is essential for the health and well-being of the nervous system and is a promising candidate for treating Alzheimer's disease.
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