Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF): New facets of an old molecule for treating neurodegenerative and metabolic syndrome pathologies

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a pluripotent neurotrophic factor originally isolated from chick embryo ciliary neurons [1]. CNTF has potent effects on the development and maintenance of the nervous system, inducing neuronal survival and differentiation by stimulating gene expression of sensory, sympathetic and motor neurons. Its effect on motor neurons led to preclinical and clinical studies in neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and, to promising clinical trial results in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration.
Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Source Type: research