Chemical Control of Trk Signaling in Mice

Neurotrophins are a family of molecules that encourage survival of nervous tissue by secreting factors in a neuron's target field, and act by prohibiting the neuron from apoptosis. The neurotrophin family include nerve growth factors nerve growth factor (NGF), Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), and neurotrophin 4 (NT-4). There are two classes of receptors, p75 and the Tyrosine kinases. The Tyrosine kinases include TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, and bind with specific neurotrophins, but with a much higher affinity. Previous techniques using gene inactivation that were used to study the role of neurotrophin in mice were ineffective because nearly all neurotrophin and Trk mice die perinatally. This novel technology combines both genetics and pharmacology to generate mice that contain mutations in the Trk kinase ATP binding pockets. Description (Set) Proposed Use (Set) Trk mutant mice allow specific, potent and reversible inhibition of Trk signaling.

Inventor(s): Ginty, David D.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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