Cell Death

PCD

Programmed Cell Death, a tightly regulated form of cell death essential for sculpting neural circuits.

Necrosis

An uncontrolled process of cell death resulting from injury, characterized by cell swelling and potential damage to surrounding cells.

Apoptosis

A highly controlled form of PCD involving morphological changes like cell shrinkage and nuclear fragmentation.

Neurotrophic Factors

Target-derived molecules that support the survival of innervating neurons.

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

The first identified neurotrophic factor, crucial for the survival of specific neuronal populations.

Retrograde Signaling

A process where neurotrophic factors are taken up by axon terminals and transported back to the cell body.

Trk Receptors

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases that bind neurotrophins and trigger intracellular survival signals.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

A neurotrophic factor that supports the survival and function of various CNS neurons.

Caspases

Proteases that play a central role in executing the apoptotic cell death program.

Microglia

Resident immune cells in the brain responsible for clearing cellular debris after apoptosis.

p75NTR

A neurotrophin receptor that can mediate both cell survival and cell death.

CNTF

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor, which supports the survival of motoneurons and other neurons.

GDNF

Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, crucial for the survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

Systems Matching

The process by which PCD ensures appropriate size ratios between interconnected neuronal populations.

Removal of Transient Structures

The elimination of neurons that are only needed temporarily during development.

Developmental Efficiency

The strategy of overproducing neurons initially and pruning excess cells for efficiency.

Punishment Signals

Signals proposed to accelerate the death of neurons that do not obtain sufficient neurotrophic support.

Synapse Formation

The process influenced by neurotrophic factors, necessary for the development of functional neuronal connections.

Fate of Neurons

The outcome of neurons surviving or undergoing apoptosis depending on neurotrophic support and signaling pathways.