nerve growth factor receptor binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a nerve growth factor receptor. [GOC:ai, PMID:15654015]

Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) binding is a crucial step in the signaling pathway initiated by nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF, a neurotrophic factor, plays a vital role in the survival, growth, and differentiation of neurons, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. When NGF binds to NGFR, a transmembrane receptor, it triggers a series of intracellular events that ultimately lead to downstream effects on neuronal function. The molecular function of NGFR binding can be described in the following steps:

1. **Ligand Binding:** NGF, the ligand, binds to the extracellular domain of NGFR with high affinity. This binding event initiates a conformational change in the receptor, which activates its intracellular signaling domain.
2. **Dimerization:** The binding of NGF to NGFR promotes dimerization of the receptor. This means two NGFR molecules come together to form a complex. Dimerization is crucial for the activation of the receptor's intracellular signaling cascade.
3. **Activation of Intracellular Signaling:** Once dimerized, NGFR activates downstream signaling pathways through the recruitment of intracellular adaptor proteins and kinases. These proteins include Shc, PLC-γ, and Ras.
4. **Signal Transduction:** The activated signaling pathways lead to the phosphorylation of various intracellular proteins, including MAP kinases (MAPKs). This phosphorylation cascade results in the activation of transcription factors, which ultimately regulate the expression of genes involved in neuronal survival, growth, and differentiation.
5. **Cellular Responses:** The downstream effects of NGFR signaling include:
- **Survival:** NGF promotes the survival of neurons by inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death).
- **Growth:** NGF stimulates the growth and differentiation of neurons, particularly in the development of the peripheral nervous system.
- **Synaptic Plasticity:** NGF regulates synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken in response to neuronal activity.
- **Axonal Guidance:** NGF plays a role in guiding the growth of axons, the long projections of neurons that transmit signals.

In summary, the molecular function of NGFR binding involves a complex cascade of events, starting with ligand binding and dimerization, leading to the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, and ultimately resulting in the regulation of neuronal survival, growth, and function.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)