CNTF, a pleiotropic cytokine: emphasis on its myotrophic role

Cecilia Vergara; Beatriz Ramirez

doi:10.1016/j.brainresrev.2004.07.010

CNTF, a pleiotropic cytokine: emphasis on its myotrophic role

Brain Res Brain Res Rev. 2004 Dec;47(1-3):161-73. doi: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2004.07.010.

Authors

Cecilia Vergara¹, Beatriz Ramirez

Affiliation

¹ Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Casilla 653, Santiago, Chile. cvergara@uchile.cl

PMID: 15572170
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2004.07.010

Abstract

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a cytokine whose neurotrophic and differentiating effects over cells in the central nervous system (CNS) have been clearly demonstrated. This article summarizes the general characteristics of CNTF, its receptor and the signaling pathway that it activates and focuses on its effects over skeletal muscle, one of its major target tissues outside the central nervous system. The evidence for the existence of other molecules that signal through the same complex as CNTF is also reviewed.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Central Nervous System / metabolism*
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism*
Humans
Muscle Proteins / metabolism
Muscle, Skeletal / growth & development*
Muscle, Skeletal / innervation
Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
Neuromuscular Junction / metabolism*
Peripheral Nervous System / metabolism*
Receptor, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor
Muscle Proteins
Receptor, Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor