Background
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the neurotrophin family, that controls
survival and differentiation of mammalian neurons. This protein is closely related to both
nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. It may be involved in the
maintenance of the adult nervous system, and may affect development of neurons in the
embryo when it is expressed in human placenta. NTF3-deficient mice generated by gene
targeting display severe movement defects of the limbs. The mature peptide of this protein
is identical in all mammals examined including human, pig, rat and mouse
