Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that regulate neuronal survival, development, and function in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. They activate Trk receptors (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) and the p75NTR receptor, which trigger signaling pathways such as Ras, PI3-kinase, and PLC-γ1. These pathways control neuronal survival, differentiation, axon and dendrite growth, and synaptic plasticity. Neurotrophins also regulate cell fate decisions and are essential for maintaining neuronal survival and function in the adult nervous system. They have additional roles outside the nervous system, such as in cardiac development and immune function. Mutations in neurotrophin genes or their receptors can lead to neurological disorders. Neurotrophins are expressed in four mammalian forms: NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4. Each neurotrophin binds to specific Trk receptors, with NGF binding TrkA, BDNF and NT-4 binding TrkB, and NT-3 binding TrkC. p75NTR also binds all neurotrophins and activates pathways such as NF-κB and Jun kinase. Neurotrophins are regulated by gene expression and post-transcriptional mechanisms, including proteolysis and trafficking. Their signaling pathways involve multiple steps, including receptor activation, phosphorylation, and downstream signaling. Trk receptors are activated by neurotrophin-mediated dimerization and transphosphorylation, leading to activation of pathways such as Ras, PI3-kinase, and PLC-γ1. These pathways control neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Neurotrophins also regulate the cytoskeleton and cell motility through Rho family GTPases. The signaling pathways activated by neurotrophins are complex and involve multiple proteins and enzymes, including kinases, phosphatases, and adaptors. These pathways are essential for neuronal development, function, and survival. Neurotrophins are also involved in other biological processes, such as inflammation and immune function. Mutations in neurotrophin genes or their receptors can lead to neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of these proteins in maintaining normal neuronal function.Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that regulate neuronal survival, development, and function in both the peripheral and central nervous systems. They activate Trk receptors (TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) and the p75NTR receptor, which trigger signaling pathways such as Ras, PI3-kinase, and PLC-γ1. These pathways control neuronal survival, differentiation, axon and dendrite growth, and synaptic plasticity. Neurotrophins also regulate cell fate decisions and are essential for maintaining neuronal survival and function in the adult nervous system. They have additional roles outside the nervous system, such as in cardiac development and immune function. Mutations in neurotrophin genes or their receptors can lead to neurological disorders. Neurotrophins are expressed in four mammalian forms: NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4. Each neurotrophin binds to specific Trk receptors, with NGF binding TrkA, BDNF and NT-4 binding TrkB, and NT-3 binding TrkC. p75NTR also binds all neurotrophins and activates pathways such as NF-κB and Jun kinase. Neurotrophins are regulated by gene expression and post-transcriptional mechanisms, including proteolysis and trafficking. Their signaling pathways involve multiple steps, including receptor activation, phosphorylation, and downstream signaling. Trk receptors are activated by neurotrophin-mediated dimerization and transphosphorylation, leading to activation of pathways such as Ras, PI3-kinase, and PLC-γ1. These pathways control neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Neurotrophins also regulate the cytoskeleton and cell motility through Rho family GTPases. The signaling pathways activated by neurotrophins are complex and involve multiple proteins and enzymes, including kinases, phosphatases, and adaptors. These pathways are essential for neuronal development, function, and survival. Neurotrophins are also involved in other biological processes, such as inflammation and immune function. Mutations in neurotrophin genes or their receptors can lead to neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of these proteins in maintaining normal neuronal function.