TrkB is a receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). TrkB is part of a sub-family of protein kinases which includes TrkA and TrkC. Also, there are other neurotrophic factors structurally related to BDNF: NGF, NT-3 and NT-4. TrkB is overexpressed in tumors, such as neuroblastoma, prostate adenocarcinoma, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. An alternatively spliced truncated TrkB isoform lacking the kinase domain is overexpressed in Wilms’ tumors and this isoform may act as a dominant-negative regulator of TrkB signaling.
