Mechanisms and regulation of neurotrophin synthesis and secretion

Neurotrophins are secreted proteins that are synthesized as pre-pro-neurotrophins on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, which are subsequently processed and then secreted as mature proteins. During synthesis, neurotrophins are sorted in the trans-Golgi apparatus into 2 pathways of secretion; the constitutive and the regulated pathways. Neurotrophins in the constitutive pathway are secreted cautiously without any trigger, while in the regulated pathway of secretion an external stimulus elevates the calcium concentration intracellularly leading to neurotrophin release. The regulation of sorting and secretion of neurotrophins is critical for several processes in the body, such as synaptic plasticity, neurodegenerative disorders, demyelination disease, and inflammation. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current mechanisms of neurotrophin sorting and secretion.