CNTF, a pleiotropic cytokine: emphasis on its myotrophic role
Cecilia Vergara1, Beatriz Ramirez
1Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile. cvergara@uchile.cl
Abstract:
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a cytokine whose neurotrophic and differentiating effects over cells in the central nervous system (CNS) have been clearly demonstrated. This article summarizes the general characteristics of CNTF, its receptor and the signaling pathway that it activates and focuses on its effects over skeletal muscle, one of its major target tissues outside the central nervous system. The evidence for the existence of other molecules that signal through the same complex as CNTF is also reviewed.
Related Concept Videos
Master Transcription Regulators
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
General Transcription Factors
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Cytoskeletal Accessory Proteins

