CNTF

Description

The CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a protein encoded by the CNTF gene in humans. It acts as a polypeptide hormone and neurotrophic factor, primarily in the nervous system. CNTF promotes neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in specific neuronal populations, including astrocytes. It functions as a hypothalamic neuropeptide, acting as a potent survival factor for neurons and oligodendrocytes. This may be significant in reducing tissue damage during inflammatory attacks. A mutation in the CNTF gene, causing aberrant splicing, leads to CNTF deficiency, but this is not linked to neurological diseases. Beyond the primary monocistronic transcript from this locus, the gene is also co-transcribed with the upstream ZFP91 gene. This co-transcription results in a transcript containing a complete coding region for the zinc finger protein but lacks a complete coding region for CNTF. CNTF has also been shown to be expressed by cells on the bone surface and reduces the activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts). CNTF's potential therapeutic applications include: * Satiety effects: Studies have shown that CNTF can induce significant weight loss in humans, potentially by reducing food intake without causing hunger or stress. This makes it a promising candidate for weight control, particularly in individuals resistant to leptin, as CNTF's mechanism is believed to be separate from leptin's pathway. * Recombinant human CNTF (Axokine): A recombinant version of CNTF (rhCNTF), marketed as Axokine, is a modified form with a 15 amino acid truncation of the C-terminus and two amino acid substitutions.

CNTF is also known as HCNTF.

Associated Diseases

WES Whole Exome Sequencing

Clinical Exome Sequencing