Fast actions of neurotrophic factors.

A diversity of neurotrophic factors are required for the differentiation and survival of neurons and for maintaining their phenotype. By virtue of the rapid time scale of signal transduction in the cytosol, many of these factors also acutely regulate neuronal functions as diverse as synaptic transmission and nerve growth. These fast actions greatly expand the regulatory role of neurotrophic factors, particularly in the synaptic plasticity of developing nervous systems.