CNTF, Rat

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) is a polypeptide hormone which acts within the nervous system where it promotes neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in certain neuronal populations. CNTF is a potent survival factor for neurons and oligodendrocytes and may play a role in reducing tissue damage during increased inflammation. A mutation in this gene, which results in aberrant splicing, leads to ciliary neurotrophic factor deficiency, however this phenotype is not causally related to neurologic disease.