Neurotrophic factors: from structure-function studies to designing effective therapeutics.

The development and maintenance of the vertebrate nervous system requires the continuous supply of a number of polypeptide hormones known as neurotrophic factors. The ability of neurotrophic factors to promote the survival of peripheral and central neurones during development and after neuronal damage, has stimulated an interest in these molecules as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of nerve injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the molecular basis of the biological specificity of neurotrophic polypeptides has provided an insight into their mechanisms of action, and allowed the design of derivatives and analogues with specific pharmacological properties.