Review
Current advances in using neurotrophic factors to treat neurodegenerative disorders
1 Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0649, USA
2 Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, George Palade Labs (GPL), Room 337 MC-0649, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
Translational Neurodegeneration 2012, 1:14 doi:10.1186/2047-9158-1-14
Published: 26 July 2012Abstract
Neurotrophic factors are best known for their roles in both development and continued maintenance of the nervous system. Their strong potential to elicit pro-survival and pro-functional responses in neurons of the peripheral and central nervous system make them good drug candidates for treatment of a multitude of neurodegenerative disorders. However, significant obstacles remain and need to be overcome before translating the potential of neurotrophins into the therapeutic arena. This article addresses current efforts and advances in resolving these challenges and provides an overview of roadmaps for future translational research and neurotrophin-based drug developments.
