Neurotrophins

Neuregulins are protein ligands that act through ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases to regulate tissue morphogenesis, plasticity, and adaptive responses to physiological needs in multiple tissues, including the heart and circulatory system . They are expressed in various tissues, including the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), where they play crucial roles in development, maintenance, and repair . Neuregulins are also involved in the regulation of metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis in response to injury .

Neuregulins participate in a wide range of biological processes, such as differentiation, migration, and myelination . They play essential roles in the development of the nervous system, including cardiac development, Schwann cell and oligodendrocyte differentiation, and the formation of neuromuscular synapses . Additionally, neuregulins are involved in immune responses and pathogen recognition, contributing to the regulation of inflammation and immune cell function .

Neuregulins bind to and activate the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases (ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4), functioning both as heterodimers and homodimers . This binding activates downstream signaling cascades that regulate various cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, and migration . Neuregulins also interact with other molecules and cells, influencing synapse development and the expression of certain receptor subunits .

The expression and activity of neuregulins are controlled by complex regulatory mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation and post-translational modifications . Neuregulins can connect related signaling pathways through the NRG1/ErbB pathway, forming signal cascades that regulate cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, and necrotic apoptosis . Additionally, neuregulins are involved in the regulation of immune responses, promoting a pro-regenerative immune response after injury .

Neuregulins have significant applications in biomedical research, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic strategies. They are being explored as potential therapeutic targets for cardiac repair, as they play a major role in heart growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis . Neuregulins also have potential applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders .

Neuregulins play crucial roles throughout the life cycle, from development to aging and disease. During embryogenesis, they are essential for cardiac development, neural development, and myogenesis . In adulthood, neuregulins continue to regulate tissue morphogenesis, plasticity, and adaptive responses to physiological needs . They also play protective and reparative roles in response to injury and disease, contributing to the maintenance and repair of the CNS and PNS .