RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Signal Transduction Mediated by the Truncated trkB Receptor Isoforms, trkB.T1 and trkB.T2 JF The Journal of Neuroscience JO J. Neurosci. FD Society for Neuroscience SP 2683 OP 2690 DO 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.17-08-02683.1997 VO 17 IS 8 A1 Gregory T. Baxter A1 Monte J. Radeke A1 Richard C. Kuo A1 Victoria Makrides A1 Beth Hinkle A1 Richard Hoang A1 Angelica Medina-Selby A1 Doris Coit A1 Pablo Valenzuela A1 Stuart C. Feinstein YR 1997 UL http://www.jneurosci.org/content/17/8/2683.abstract AB The trkB family of transmembrane proteins serves as receptors for BDNF and NT-4/5. The family is composed of a tyrosine kinase-containing isoform as well as several alternatively spliced “truncated receptors” with identical extracellular ligand-binding domains but very small intracellular domains. The two best-characterized truncated trkB receptors, designated as trkB.T1 and trkB.T2, contain intracellular domains of only 23 and 21 amino acids, respectively. Although it is known that the tyrosine kinase isoform (trkB.FL) is capable of initiating BDNF and NT-4/5-induced signal transduction, the functional role or roles of the truncated receptors remain enigmatic. At the same time, the potential importance of the truncated receptors in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of the nervous system has been highlighted by recent developmental and injury paradigm investigations. Here we have used trkB cDNA transfected cell lines to demonstrate that both trkB.T1 and trkB.T2 are capable of mediating BDNF-induced signal transduction. More specifically, BDNF activation of either trkB.T1 or trkB.T2 increases the rate of acidic metabolite release from the cell, a common physiological consequence of many signaling pathways. Further, these trkB.T1- and trkB.T2-mediated changes occur with kinetics distinct from changes mediated by trkB.FL, suggesting the participation of at least some unique rate-limiting component or components. Mutational analysis demonstrates that the isoform-specific sequences within the intracellular domains of each receptor are essential for signaling capability. Finally, inhibitor studies suggest that kinases are likely to be involved in the trkB.T1 and trkB.T2 signaling pathways.