Receptors for the neurotrophins were identified almost 50 years ago using simple biochemical techniques such as the use of radioactive NGF to find specific binding proteins. p75NTR was the first neurotrophin receptor to be cloned, followed some time later by the identification of the Trk family of receptor kinases as high affinity neurotrophin receptors. The activation of these kinase receptors by all members of the neurotrophin family led to clarity in assigning signaling pathways from the Trks to biological functions particularly neuronal survival.

 

In contrast, p75NTR signaling has yielded its secrets very slowly. Evidence for p75NTR activation of the NF-kB pathway eventually was presented by Carter et al. (1996). This was followed after long intervals by identification of cleavages to the extracellular and intracellular domains of the receptors, death domains and co-receptors. The demonstration of a biological action of the pro-neurotrophins has led to a new wave of activity as evidence builds for a pro-NT/ p75NTR / sortilin complex that can trigger cell death. An excellent recent review highlights the role of this complex in the regulation of pain both with, and independently of, the TrkA receptor Lewin and Nykjaer (2014).

 

Another great review on p75NTR signaling and resultant biological functions can be found the most recent issue of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, which is entirely devoted to Neurotrophic Factors Kraemer, Yoon and Carter (2014).

  

Biosensis is excited to advise the release of the latest member of our Rapid™ ELISA Kits for the detection and quantification of p75NTR. This new kit complements the highly popular Neurotrophin and ProNeurotrophin kits in the Rapid™ range.

Image: Standard curve of our new NGFR/p75ECD Rapid™ ELISA Kit: Human (Catalog No# BEK-2219-2P).

Email: sales@biosensis.com

Phone: +61 8 8352 7711