Neurotrophin-4: a survival factor for adult sensory neurons

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Item Type:	Article
Title:	Neurotrophin-4: a survival factor for adult sensory neurons
Creators Name:	Stucky, C.L., Shin, J.B. and Lewin, G.R.
Abstract:	The nerve growth factor (NGF) family of neurotrophins provides a substantial part of the normal trophic support for sensory neurons during development [1]. Although these neurotrophins, which include Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), continue to be expressed into adulthood [2, 3], there is little evidence that they are survival factors for adult neurons [4]. Here we have examined the age-dependent neurotrophic requirements of a specialized type of mechanoreceptive neuron, called a D-hair receptor, in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Studies using knockout mice have demonstrated that the survival of D-hair receptors is dependent upon both NT-3 and NT-4 [5-7]. Here, we show that the time period when D-hair receptors require these two neurotrophins is different. Survival of D-hair receptors depends on NT-3 early in postnatal development and NT-4 later in the mature animal. The age-dependent loss of D-hair neurons in older NT-4 knockout mice was accompanied by a large reduction (78%) in neurons positive for the NT-4 receptor (trkB) together with neuronal apoptosis in the DRG. This is the first evidence that sensory neurons have a physiological requirement for a single neurotrophin for their continued survival in the adult.
Keywords:	Afferent Neurons, Apoptosis, Electrophysiology, In Situ Hybridization, Knockout Mice, Mechanoreceptors, Nerve Growth Factors, Neuroprotective Agents, Neurotrophin 3, P.H.S. U.S. Govt Support, TrkB Receptor, Animals, Mice
Source:	Current Biology
ISSN:	0960-9822
Publisher:	Cell Press
Volume:	12
Number:	16
Page Range:	1401-1404
Date:	20 August 2002
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-9822(02)01072-2
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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