NEURONAL GROWTH FACTORS AND TROPHIC FACTORS

pediagenosis    April 13, 2021    Nervous , Organ    Comment   

NEURONAL GROWTH FACTORS AND TROPHIC FACTORS

Neuronal growth factors and trophic factors are signal molecules produced by neurons, glia, and target tissues that can influence neuronal differentiation, growth of neurites, establishment of contacts for signaling, maintenance of neural contacts with their central or peripheral targets, and other functions. 

These factors act through specific receptors and can induce the production of specific molecules, such as agrin for the maintenance of nicotinic cholinergic receptors at the neuromuscular junction. Several identified growth factors, along with their sourced receptors and possible roles, are provided in the table above.