Low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor

Low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor (also known as p75NTR, p75 or NGFR) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NGFR gene. It is one of the two receptor types for the neurotrophins, a family of protein growth factors that stimulate neuronal cells to survive and differentiate.

Function

The low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. It is a transmembrane protein and is a receptor for the neurotrophins. This receptor is more abundant in the central nervous system (CNS) than the peripheral nervous system (PNS). It is capable of binding all neurotrophins with low affinity, hence its name.

Structure

The structure of the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor is characterized by four extracellular cysteine-rich domains (CRD), a single transmembrane domain, and a short cytoplasmic tail. The CRDs are responsible for ligand binding, while the cytoplasmic tail is involved in signal transduction.

Role in Disease

Alterations in the function or expression of the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor have been associated with various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

See Also

• Nerve growth factor
• Neurotrophin
• Tumor necrosis factor receptor