| Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) | |
|---|---|
| Gene | [NTF4](/genes/ntf4) |
| UniProt | P34130 |
| PDB | 1B9E |
| Mol. Weight | 13.9 kDa (precursor), 28.2 kDa (mature dimer) |
| Localization | Secreted, extracellular |
| Family | Neurotrophin family |
| Receptors | [TrkB](/proteins/trkb) (primary), [TrkC](/proteins/trkc) (lower affinity), [p75NTR](/proteins/p75ntr) |
| Diseases | [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers), [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease), [ALS](/diseases/als) |
Neurotrophin 4 (Nt 4) is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), also known as neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5), is a member of the neurotrophin family that signals primarily through the TrkB receptor. While discovered later than NGF, BDNF, and NT-3, NT-4 has emerged as an important neurotrophic factor with unique physiological roles and therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases.[1]
NT-4 shares structural homology with other neurotrophins but exhibits distinct receptor binding profiles:
NT-4 is particularly important for:
NT-4 supports various sensory neuron populations:
In the mature nervous system, NT-4:
NT-4 shows altered expression in AD:
Therapeutic potential in PD includes:
NT-4 may benefit motor neuron disease:
NT-4-based therapies are being explored for:
The study of Neurotrophin 4 (Nt 4) has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.