Neurotrophins – players in the regulation of neuronal survival and apoptosis

Neurotrophins are a family of trophic factors that has been established as pivotal players in the regulation of neuronal survival and differentiation throughout development and adulthood. The prototypic neurotrophin, nerve-growth factor (NGF), was isolated and purified more than 50 years ago as a target-derived trophic factor for developing neurons. Since then, not only were more members added to the family, but as our understanding of the neurotrophins advances, it became clear that the neurotrophins are involved in almost all aspects of neuronal development. Here we will summarize the critical roles of neurotrophins in the regulation of neuronal survival and apoptosis.