RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Human trks: molecular cloning, tissue distribution, and expression of extracellular domain immunoadhesins JF The Journal of Neuroscience JO J. Neurosci. FD Society for Neuroscience SP 477 OP 491 DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.15-01-00477.1995 VO 15 IS 1 A1 Shelton, DL A1 Sutherland, J A1 Gripp, J A1 Camerato, T A1 Armanini, MP A1 Phillips, HS A1 Carroll, K A1 Spencer, SD A1 Levinson, AD YR 1995 UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/15/1/477.abstract AB Using molecular cloning techniques, human homologs of the known members of the trk family of neurotrophin receptors have been cloned and sequenced. Overall, there is a high degree of similarity between the human sequences and those from other mammals; however, there are differences in splicing patterns. There are two spliced forms of the extracellular domain of trkC in the human, a finding that has not been described in other species. In contrast, fewer spliced forms were detected of the intracellular domains of human trkB and trkC than has been described in other mammals. Northern analysis and in situ hybridization experiments indicate that the human trks are expressed in a similar pattern to that described in other mammals. Expression of the trk extracellular domains as fusion proteins with IgG heavy chain yields soluble molecules that mimic intact trks in their binding specificity and affinity. These soluble chimeras block the biological activity of their cognate neurotrophin(s) in vitro.