All human behaviors, including the control of energy homeostasis, are ultimately mediated by neuronal activities in the brain. Neurotrophic factors represent a protein family that plays important roles in regulating neuronal development, function, and survival. It has been well established that canonical neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), play important roles in the central regulation of energy homeostasis. Recently, a class of non-canonical neurotrophic factors, represented by mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), has been discovered. MANF is structurally and functionally distinct from those canonical neurotrophic factors, hence raising the issue of MANF being non-canonical. Nonetheless, emerging evidence suggests that MANF is critically involved in many neuronal activities. Here, we review our current understanding about the functions of MANF in the brain, with a primary focus on the control of energy homeostasis.
CITATION STYLE
Yang, S., Li, S., & Li, X. J. (2018, November 29). MANF: A New Player in the Control of Energy Homeostasis, and Beyond. Frontiers in Physiology. Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01725
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