Neurotrophins: Decades of Discoveries

Neuronal degeneration and loss of synapses are cardinal features of many neurological disorders. Thus, our great hope lies in our ability to develop therapies that prevent or reverse the neurodegenerative process. The central nervous system (CNS) expresses a variety of molecules with trophic activities, which could be used to rescue neurons from death. The most studied of these growth factors are neurotrophins, a family of diffusible polypeptides that promote the survival of various CNS cells. In this chapter, we will briefly present the old and the new emerging concepts of neurotrophic factors to highlight their potential as therapeutic agents to suppress neuronal degeneration.