[Paleopsych] Controlling Brain Wiring With the Flick of a Chemical Switch

[Steve Hovland]

http://www.kurzweilai.net/news/frame.html?main=/news/news_single.html?id  
%3D4390
KurzweilAI.net, April 7, 2005
Howard Hughes Medical Institute scientists have developed a way to control 
neuronal growth <javascript:loadBrain('Growth')> more precisely by 
employing nerve <javascript:loadBrain('Nerve')> growth 
<javascript:loadBrain('Growth')> factor (NGF) and brain 
<javascript:loadBrain('Brain')>-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

These neurotrophins regulate neuronal growth 
<javascript:loadBrain('Growth')> by activating specific tyrosine kinase 
(Trk) receptors on the surface of neurons. The Trk receptors translate the 
neurotrophin signals to regulate neuronal growth 
<javascript:loadBrain('Growth')> and survival machine 
<javascript:loadBrain('Machine')>ry.