NT-3 Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the neurotrophin family, that controls survival and differentiation of mammalian neurons. This protein is closely related to both nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. It may be involved in the maintenance of the adult nervous system, and may affect development of neurons in the embryo when it is expressed in human placenta. NTF3-deficient mice generated by gene targeting display severe movement defects of the limbs. The mature peptide of this protein is identical in all mammals examined including human, pig, rat and mouse. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

NT-3: Seems to promote the survival of visceral and proprioceptive sensory neurons. Belongs to the NGF-beta family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Secreted; Secreted, signal peptide; Cytokine

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 12p13

Cellular Component: cytoplasmic membrane-bound vesicle; extracellular region

Molecular Function: neurotrophin p75 receptor binding; growth factor activity; nerve growth factor binding; receptor binding; chemoattractant activity

Biological Process: myelination; axon guidance; mechanoreceptor differentiation; epidermis development; glial cell fate determination; activation of MAPK activity; regulation of neuron differentiation; positive regulation of receptor internalization; positive regulation of glial cell differentiation; signal transduction; enteric nervous system development; induction of positive chemotaxis; cell-cell signaling; positive chemotaxis; positive regulation of cell proliferation; negative regulation of neuron apoptosis; regulation of synaptic transmission; nervous system development; negative regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation; activation of protein kinase B; positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylation; peripheral nervous system development; positive regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation; neuromuscular synaptic transmission; positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter; nerve development; smooth muscle cell differentiation; brain development; transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway; neurite morphogenesis; positive regulation of cell migration