[Progress in the study of nerve growth factor family and its receptors]

There were several noticeable progress in the study of the neurotrophic factors, their receptors and the neuronal apoptosis. Firstly, several members of the nerve growth factor family have been identified: NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4/5. Secondly, the relationship between the three-dimensional structure of the NGF and its function and evolution has been revealed. Thirdly, two kinds of the neurotrophin family receptors were characterized, they are low-affinity NGFR (p75 NGFR) and the trk proto-oncogene product such as p140trkA, p145trkB and p145trkC. Induction of apoptosis by the low-affinity NGFR was also found. Finaly it is possible to use the neurotrophin for treating the degenerative neurological illnesses.