ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor. [GOC:ai]

Ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) binding is a crucial step in the signaling pathway of CNTF, a pleiotropic cytokine with diverse functions in the nervous system and other tissues. CNTF exerts its biological effects by binding to a heterotrimeric receptor complex composed of CNTFR, gp130, and LIF receptor (LIFR).

CNTFR is a transmembrane protein that lacks intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and relies on association with gp130 and LIFR to initiate signal transduction. CNTF binding to CNTFR triggers the recruitment of gp130 and LIFR, leading to the formation of a high-affinity receptor complex.

Upon receptor complex assembly, the cytoplasmic domains of gp130 and LIFR undergo conformational changes, exposing their Janus kinase (JAK) binding sites. JAKs are tyrosine kinases that become activated upon binding to gp130 and LIFR. Activated JAKs phosphorylate tyrosine residues on the intracellular tails of gp130 and LIFR, creating docking sites for signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins.

STATs are transcription factors that are recruited to the phosphorylated gp130 and LIFR tails. JAKs phosphorylate STATs, leading to their dimerization and translocation into the nucleus. In the nucleus, STAT dimers bind to specific DNA sequences, activating the transcription of target genes.

The molecular function of CNTFR binding is therefore essential for the initiation and propagation of the CNTF signaling pathway. It mediates the formation of the high-affinity receptor complex, which in turn activates JAKs and STATs, ultimately leading to the regulation of gene expression. CNTF signaling plays critical roles in various processes, including neuronal survival, axonal regeneration, glial cell proliferation, and muscle development.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)