Development and survival of vertebrate neurons is largely dependent on neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-4 (NT4) and neurotrophin-3. These neurotrophins have been shown to promote survival of specific neuronal populations by interactions with the tyrosine kinase receptors trkA, trkB and trkC. NGF signals via trkA. BDNF and [...]