The Role of The LNGFR
As opposed to TrkA, the LNGFR plays a somewhat less clear role in NGF biology. Some researchers have shown the LNGFR binds and serves as a "sink" for neurotrophins. Cells that express both the LNGFR and the Trk receptors might, therefore, have a greater activity, since they have a higher "microconcentration" of the neurotrophin. It has also been shown, however, that, in the absence of a co-expressed TrkA, the LNGFR may signal a cell to die via apoptosis; so, therefore, cells expressing the LNGFR in the absence of Trk receptors may die rather than live in the presence of a neurotrophin.
Recent research has suggested a number of roles for the LNGFR, including in development of the eyes and sensory neurons, and in repair of muscle and nerve damage in adults.
Read more about this topic: Low-affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor
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