NTRK13

NTRK13 is not a recognized human gene symbol in standard genomic databases. The neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) family comprises three genes: NTRK1, NTRK2, and NTRK3, which encode the receptor tyrosine kinases TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC, respectively.

TRK receptors are part of the nerve growth factor signaling axis. They are activated by neurotrophins—NGF binds TrkA; BDNF and NT-4 bind TrkB; NT-3 binds TrkC—leading to downstream signaling through the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and PLCγ pathways. They play essential roles in neuronal survival, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity during development and in the adult nervous system. Expression patterns vary by tissue and developmental stage.

In cancer biology, NTRK genes can be involved in gene fusions that produce constitutively active oncoproteins, driving tumorigenesis in a variety of cancers. These NTRK fusions are clinically important because they predict sensitivity to TRK inhibitors such as larotrectinib and entrectinib, which have tissue-agnostic approvals for tumors harboring NTRK gene fusions. Detection methods include next-generation sequencing panels, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and reverse transcription PCR.

If NTRK13 appears in a dataset or publication, it is likely a typographical error or misannotation for one of the established genes (NTRK1–NTRK3) or a description of a fusion. Researchers should verify the symbol against authoritative resources (for example, HGNC or NCBI Gene) before drawing conclusions.