NT3 is a member of the neurotrophin family, that controls survival and differentiation of visceral and proprioceptive sensory neurons. NT3 is closely related to both NGF and BDNF. 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. NT3-deficient mice generated by gene targeting display sevvere movement defects of the limbs. The mature peptide of this protein is identical in all mammals examined including human, pig, rat and mouse. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Secreted protein. TISSUE SPECIFICITY: Brain and peripheral tissues. SIMILARITY: Belongs to the NGF-beta family.