CNTF is a survival promoting factor for different types of neurons in vitro and in vivo. The essential structural features for the biological function of human CNTF were investigated by Thier, M. et al. They showed that deletion of 14 N-terminal and 18 C-terminal amino acids significantly increased bioactivity compared to wild-type CNTF. FUNCTION: CNTF is a survival factor for various neuronal cell types. Seems to prevent the degeneration of motor axons after axotomy. SUBUNIT: Homodimer. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Cytoplasm. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Nervous system. PHARMACEUTICAL: CNTF is being tested under the name Axokine by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for treatment of human motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As it induces substantial weight loss, preferentially of fat as opposed to lean body mass, it is being used for obesity treatment. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the CNTF family.