Neurotrophic Factor Therapy: GDNF and CNTF

Trophic factors are endogenous proteins that support the viability and phenotypic expression of select populations of neurons; many such populations are vulnerable in neurodegenerative disease. The hope has been that delivery of trophic factors could prevent neurons from degenerating and thus prevent the emergence or progression of clinical symptoms in these diseases. This article discusses the ability of two potent trophic factors, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor, to preserve neuronal circuitry and prevent functional disability in animal models of neurodegeneration.