Trk logo for Biospeak


Dear Doctor

Tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) receptors are a family of membrane-bound receptors that undergo phosphorylation following binding to neurotrophin ligands.

During development Trk signaling leads to neurogenesis, differentiation and survival of many neuronal subpopulations. In adults, Trk's have a central role in a range of physiological processes both within the nervous system, and more extensively in  the immune and endocrine systems.

In disease such as Alzheimers, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and brain tumors, Trk's have proved important as diagnostics and potential therapeutic targets.

This issue of BioSpeak highlights the some of the most recent progress in the area of Trk receptor research.
Hot topics in Trk receptor research
A surprising finding that the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), Amitriptyline, has potent neurotrophic activity via Trk receptors
Axonal transport regulatory mechanisms uncovered
New Trk mechanisms revealed in neural development
A surprising finding that the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), Amitriptyline, has potent neurotrophic activity via Trk receptors

1. Amitriptyline is a TrkA and TrkB receptor agonist that promotes TrkA/TrkB heterodimerization and has potent neurotrophic activity
Jang SW, Lui X, Chan CB, Weinshenker D, Hall RA, Xiao G, Ye K Chem Biol. 2009 Jun 26;16(6):644-56 Abstract
Axonal transport regulatory mechanisms uncovered

2. Anterograde transport of TrkB in axons is mediated by direct interaction with Slp1 and Rab27. Arimura N, Kimura T, Nakamuta S, Taya S, Funahashi Y, Hattori A, Shimada A, Ménager C, Kawabata S, Fujii K, Iwamatsu A, Segal RA, Fukuda M, Kaibuchi K Dev Cell. 2009 May;16(5):675-86 Abstract

3. A retrograde neuronal survival response: target-derived neurotrophins regulate MEF2D and bcl-w. Pazyra-Murphy MF, Hans A, Courchesne SL, Karch C, Cosker KE, Heerssen HM, Watson FL, Kim T, Greenberg ME, Segal RA J Neurosci. 2009 May 20;29(20):6700-9. Abstract

4. Proteasomal inhibition alters the trafficking of the neurotrophin receptor TrkA Moises T, Wüller S, Saxena S, Senderek J, Weis J, Krüttgen A,  Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2009 Sep 18;387(2):360-4 Abstract
New Trk mechanisms revealed in neural development

5. LIG family receptor tyrosine kinase-associated proteins modulate growth factor signals during neural development Mandai K, Guo T, St Hillaire C, Meabon JS, Kanning KC, Bothwell M, Ginty DD Neuron. 2009 Sep 10; 63(5):614-27 Abstract

6. Differential expression of TrkB isoforms switches climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synaptogenesis to selective synapse elimination Sherrard RM, Dixon KJ, Bakouche J, Rodger J, Lemaigre-Dubreuil Y, Mariani J Dev Neurobiol. 2009 Sep 1;69(10):647-62 Abstract
Some quality Trk antibodies available from biosensis

  R-151-100 (TrkC)                 R-149-100 (TrkB)                 R-152-100 (TrkA)
 R-151-100 rat trigeminal nerveR-149-100 Rat Ventral Horn IHCTrkA R152-100
 

and..
M-957-100 (TrkA)
R-121-100 (TrkB)
M-958-100 (TrkC)  M-009-100 (p75NTR)



So if you have a Trk reagent related question, email one of our experienced researchers at biospeak@biosensis.com.

Support for researchers from researchers! Our staff have over 60 years experience in manufacturing and using antibodies and have published over 340 peer reviewed research publications.

"Good luck with your research"

Sincerely,
 
Tina


P.S. Have you missed previous issues of BioSpeak? Click Here