Anti-Human NT-4 (N114-GRP)

Neurotrophin 4 (NT-4) is a novel neurotrophic factor1, the neurotrophins, that control survival and differentiation of vertebrate neurons. Several aspects distinguish NT-4 from other members of the neurotrophin family. It is the most divergent member and, in contrast to the other neurotrophins, its expression is ubiquitous and appears to be less influenced by environmental signals. NT-4 seems to have the unique requirement of binding to the low-affinity neurotrophin receptor for efficient signalling and retrograde transport in neurons.2 NT-4 controls survival and differentiation of mammalian neurons. It signals predominantly through the TrkB receptor tyrosine kinase. Both NT-4/5 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor may be physiological survival factors for facial motor neurons and may serve as therapeutic agents for motor neuron disease.3