Ciliary neurotrophic factor
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CNTF gene. It is a cytokine used by the nervous system to support the survival of neuronal populations.
Pronunciation
Ciliary: /ˈsɪliəri/ Neurotrophic: /ˌnʊərəʊˈtrɒfɪk/ Factor: /ˈfaktər/
Etymology
The term "Ciliary" is derived from the Latin word "cilia" which means "eyelash". "Neurotrophic" is derived from the Greek words "neuro" meaning "nerve" and "trophe" meaning "nourishment". "Factor" is derived from the Latin word "factor" which means "doer, maker".
Function
CNTF is a neurotrophic factor that promotes the survival of various neuronal cell types and may play an important role in the injury-induced response of the nervous system.
Related Terms
- Cytokine: A type of protein that is important in cell signaling.
- Neuronal: Relating to neurons, the primary cells of the nervous system.
- Neurotrophic factor: A family of proteins responsible for the growth and survival of nerve cells.
- Nervous system: The complex network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ciliary neurotrophic factor
- Wikipedia's article - Ciliary neurotrophic factor
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