Trk Receptor
Tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) receptors are a family of tyrosine kinase receptors that include TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC. These receptors bind to neurotrophins—growth factors that support the development, function, and survival of neurons. TrkA primarily binds nerve growth factor, TrkB binds brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-4, and TrkC binds neurotrophin-3. Upon binding their respective ligands, Trk receptors trigger signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity, crucial for learning and memory. Dysregulation of Trk signaling is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers. Therapeutically, Trk inhibitors and agonists are being developed to treat these conditions, leveraging their critical role in neural health and disease.