Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) is a polypeptide hormone and neurotrophic factor primarily involved in the nervous system. It is encoded by the CNTF gene in humans and plays a crucial role in promoting neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in specific neuronal populations . The recombinant version of human CNTF, often tagged with a His (histidine) tag for purification purposes, is widely used in research and therapeutic applications.
CNTF is a protein with a molecular weight of approximately 23 kDa . It exerts its effects by binding to a heterotrimeric receptor complex composed of the CNTF receptor alpha (CNTFRα), glycoprotein 130 (gp130), and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor beta (LIFRβ) . This binding initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways that promote cell survival, differentiation, and growth.
CNTF is a potent survival factor for various neuronal cell types, including motor neurons and oligodendrocytes . It has been shown to prevent the degeneration of motor axons following axotomy (nerve injury) and may reduce tissue destruction during inflammatory attacks . Additionally, CNTF is involved in the regulation of gene expression, axon regeneration, and the activation of astrocytes .
Recombinant human CNTF (rhCNTF) is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the CNTF gene is cloned and expressed in a suitable host system, such as Escherichia coli or mammalian cells . The His tag, a sequence of histidine residues, is added to the protein to facilitate purification using affinity chromatography. This tag allows for efficient isolation of the recombinant protein from the host cell lysate.
Recombinant CNTF has several applications in research and medicine: