p75NTR receptor – role in cell growth and apoptosis

The neurotrophins play an important role in the development of the nervous system. These trophic factors affect the cells through the neurotrophin receptors Trk and p75NTR. Trk (tyrosine kinase receptor) mediated signaling promotes survival and growth, while p75NTR-mediated signaling promotes cell death. The structure of p75NTR and its role in the regulation of survival, growth and induction of apoptosis are discussed. p75NTR can interact with the aggregated form of Aβ peptides and by influencing protein tau hyperphosphorylation plays an important role in etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.