NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR Meaning and
Definition
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Neurotrophic factors are a class of naturally occurring proteins that play a crucial role in the growth, development, and survival of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). These factors are essential for the survival, maintenance, and proper functioning of neurons throughout an individual's life.
Neurons are highly specialized cells responsible for transmitting and processing information in the nervous system. Neurotrophic factors provide critical support to neurons by promoting their survival, controlling their growth, and facilitating their communication. They function by binding to specific receptors on the surface of neurons, triggering signaling pathways that regulate various cellular processes.
Neurotrophic factors are secreted by different cell types, including neurons themselves and supportive cells called glia. They act in an autocrine or paracrine manner, meaning they can influence the cells that secrete them or nearby neurons and glial cells, respectively. This localized effect ensures that neurotrophic factors primarily act on the cells that need them.
Deficiencies or malfunctioning of neurotrophic factors can have severe consequences on neuronal health and function, contributing to various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Conversely, the administration of exogenous neurotrophic factors or the use of gene therapy to increase their expression holds great potential for therapeutic interventions in these conditions.
In summary, neurotrophic factors are essential regulators of neuronal survival, growth, and connectivity. They play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and proper functioning of the nervous system and are a key focus of research in the field of neurobiology and neuroscience.
Common Misspellings for NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR
- beurotrophic factor
- meurotrophic factor
- jeurotrophic factor
- heurotrophic factor
- nwurotrophic factor
- nsurotrophic factor
- ndurotrophic factor
- nrurotrophic factor
- n4urotrophic factor
- n3urotrophic factor
- neyrotrophic factor
- nehrotrophic factor
- nejrotrophic factor
- neirotrophic factor
- ne8rotrophic factor
- ne7rotrophic factor
- neueotrophic factor
- neudotrophic factor
- neufotrophic factor
- neutotrophic factor
Etymology of NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR
The word "neurotrophic" is derived from the Greek roots "neur" meaning "nerve" and "trophē" meaning "nourishment" or "food". The term "factor" comes from the Latin word "factorem" meaning "doer" or "maker". Therefore, the etymology of the word "neurotrophic factor" suggests a substance or entity that promotes the nourishment or growth of nerves.
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