Neurotrophic factors

Neurotrophic factors are a family of proteins that are responsible for the growth and survival of developing neurons and the maintenance of mature neurons. Recent research has proven that neurotrophic factors promote the initial growth and development of neurons in the CNS and PNS and that they are capable of regrowing damaged neurons in test tubes and animal models [1]. Neurotrophic factors are often released by the target tissue in order to guide the growth of developing axons. Most neurotrophic factors belong to one of three families: (1) neural drug delivery systems, they are loosely immobilized such that they can be selectively released at specified times and in specified amounts.