Description |
This gene encodes a member of the neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) family. This kinase is a membrane-bound receptor that, upon neurotrophin binding, phosphorylates itself and members of the MAPK pathway. Signalling through this kinase leads to cell differentiation. Mutations in this gene have been associated with obesity and mood disorders. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. |
Tissue specificity |
Isoform TrkB is expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system. In the central nervous system (CNS), expression is observed in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, choroid plexus, granular layer of the cerebellum, brain stem, and spinal cord. In the peripheral nervous system, it is expressed in many cranial ganglia, the ophthalmic nerve, the vestibular system, multiple facial structures, the submaxillary glands, and dorsal root ganglia. Isoform TrkB-T1 is mainly expressed in the brain but also detected in other tissues including pancreas, kidney and heart. Isoform TrkB-T-Shc is predominantly expressed in the brain. |