Title:The Roles of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor - from Neuronutrition to Energy
Metabolism
Volume: 29
Issue: 10
Author(s): Huifang Guo, Peng Chen, Runfan Luo, Yuting Zhang, Xi Xu*Xingchun Gou*
Affiliation:
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Disorders, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of
Basic Medical Science, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710021, P.R. China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Infection and Immune Disorders, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders, School of
Basic Medical Science, Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710021, P.R. China
Keywords:
CNTF, neuronal protection, retinal-related diseases, nutrition, energy metabolism, neuronutrition.
Abstract: Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a pluripotent neurotrophic factor originally isolated
from chicken embryo ciliary neurons. It has a powerful role in developing and maintaining the optic
nervous system and has been used for many vision-related diseases. It also plays an important role
in the neurogenesis, regeneration and survival of other neurons, including neural stem cells, dorsal
root ganglion, sensory neurons and motor neurons. CNTF is related to neurodegenerative diseases,
such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition to its role in the nervous system,
CNTF regulates the balance of energy metabolism and the administration of CNTF induces body
weight loss. More CNTF functions have been found with the deepening of study, such as protecting
and promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation. In addition, CNTF even participates in mental illness
and inflammation suppressing. CNTF exerts multidirectional physiological activity by regulating
the transcription of various genes through a variety of signalling pathways (including JAK/STAT,
MAPK, and PI3K/AKT). This review summarizes the roles and mechanisms of CNTF in the optic
nervous system, retinal-related diseases, neuronal protection, and especially nutrition, energy
metabolism and other aspects.