Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) is a polypeptide hormone and neurotrophic factor that plays a crucial role in the nervous system. It is encoded by the CNTF gene located on chromosome 11 in humans . CNTF is known for its ability to promote neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in certain neuronal populations, making it a potent survival factor for neurons and oligodendrocytes .
CNTF is a protein that consists of 200 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 22.9 kDa . The protein is primarily found in the cytoplasm and extracellular region, where it binds to the ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) and activates various signaling pathways . These pathways are involved in the regulation of neuronal survival, differentiation, and growth .
The recombinant version of human CNTF, often referred to as rhCNTF, is produced using recombinant DNA technology. This version includes a His tag, which is a sequence of histidine residues added to the protein to facilitate purification and detection . The His tag does not interfere with the biological activity of CNTF and allows for efficient production of the protein in laboratory settings .
CNTF has several important biological activities, including:
Due to its neurotrophic properties, CNTF has been investigated for its potential therapeutic applications in various neurological disorders. Some of the conditions where CNTF has shown promise include: