Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) is a polypeptide hormone which acts within the nervous system where it promotes neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in certain neuronal populations. CNTF is a potent survival factor for neurons and oligodendrocytes and may play a role in reducing tissue damage during increased inflammation. A mutation in this gene, which results in aberrant splicing, leads to ciliary neurotrophic factor deficiency, however this phenotype is not causally related to neurologic disease.
Recombinant Rat Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) produced in E .coli is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain of 199 amino acids and a molecular mass of 22.9 kDa. It has been purified by chromatographic techniques.