Neurotrophic factors are important proteins that help keep our nerve cells healthy and functioning. Some well-known neurotrophic factors are Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
These proteins work like helpers for nerve cells, making sure they survive and thrive by connecting to special receptors on the cells. When they do this, they start a series of processes that keep the cells healthy.
Preventing Cell Death: Neurotrophic factors can prevent cell death, which is when cells die in a controlled way, called apoptosis. They do this by activating certain pathways, like the PI3K/Akt pathway, that help cells survive.
Encouraging Growth: These factors also help nerve cells grow and change, especially when they get hurt. For example, NGF is really important for the survival of certain types of nerve cells.
Helping After Injury: When there is an injury, the levels of neurotrophic factors in that area go up to help the recovery process. For instance, after a nerve gets damaged, the amount of BDNF increases, which helps repair and regenerate the nerves.
Overall, neurotrophic factors play a vital role in protecting nerve cells, helping them recover, and making sure they can handle stress.
Neurotrophic factors are important proteins that help keep our nerve cells healthy and functioning. Some well-known neurotrophic factors are Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
These proteins work like helpers for nerve cells, making sure they survive and thrive by connecting to special receptors on the cells. When they do this, they start a series of processes that keep the cells healthy.
Preventing Cell Death: Neurotrophic factors can prevent cell death, which is when cells die in a controlled way, called apoptosis. They do this by activating certain pathways, like the PI3K/Akt pathway, that help cells survive.
Encouraging Growth: These factors also help nerve cells grow and change, especially when they get hurt. For example, NGF is really important for the survival of certain types of nerve cells.
Helping After Injury: When there is an injury, the levels of neurotrophic factors in that area go up to help the recovery process. For instance, after a nerve gets damaged, the amount of BDNF increases, which helps repair and regenerate the nerves.
Overall, neurotrophic factors play a vital role in protecting nerve cells, helping them recover, and making sure they can handle stress.