Signaling by Neuronal Tyrosine Kinase Receptors: Relevance for Development and Regeneration

Receptor tyrosine kinase activation by binding of neurotrophic factors determines neuronal morphology and identity, migration of neurons to appropriate destinations, and integration into functional neural circuits as well as synapse formation with appropriate targets at the right time and at the right place. This review summarizes the most important aspects of intraneuronal signaling mechanisms and induced gene expression changes that underlie morphological and neurochemical consequences of receptor tyrosine kinase activation in central and peripheral neurons. Anat Rec, 292:1976-1985, 2009. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.