CNTFR-alpha Antibody Staining Protocol for Immunohistochemistry

Description: Ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) shares functional and structural properties with members of the hematopoietic cytokine family. Signaling through the CNTFR involves the binding and activation of a multisubunit receptor complex composed of three components: a ligand-specific-α-receptor (CNTFR), signal-transducing β-subunits of gp130 and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor-β (LIFR).1 Binding of CNTF to CNTFR triggers the association of the receptor complex components resulting in activation of a signal transduction cascade mediated by intracellular protein tyrosine kinases. CNTFR can function in a membrane–bound or soluble form; the membrane-bound form is expressed in neuronal and muscle cells, while the soluble form, once processed, can serve as a cofactor to potentiate CNTF actions. This action may serve to enhance the survival, proliferation, and maturation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells.