TrkB, Active

TRKB is a member of the neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) family. TRKB is the high affinity catalytic receptor for several "neurotrophins", which are small protein growth factors that induce the survival and differentiation of distinct cell populations (1). TRKB is a membrane-bound receptor that, upon neurotrophin binding, phosphorylates itself and members of the MAPK pathway (2). Signalling through TRKB leads to cell differentiation. Mutations in the TRKB gene have been associated with obesity and mood disorders.