Trk Receptors and Neurotrophin Cross-Interactions: New Perspectives Toward Manipulating Therapeutic Side-Effects

Some therapeutic side-effects result from simultaneous activation of homolog receptors by the same ligand. Tropomyosin receptor kinases (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) play a major role in the development and biology of neurons through neurotrophin signaling. The wide range of cross-interactions between Trk receptors and neurotrophins vary in selectivity, affinity and function. In this study, we discuss new perspectives to the manipulation of side-effects via a better understanding of the cross-interactions at the molecular level, derived by computational methods. Available crystal structures of Trk receptors and neurotrophins are a valuable resource for exploitation via molecular mechanics (MM) and dynamics (MD). The study of the energetics and dynamics of neurotrophins or neurotrophic peptides interacting with Trk receptors will provide insight to structural regions that may be candidates for drug targeting and signaling pathway selection.