Nerve growth factor stimulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation requires both p75NTR and α9β1 integrin and confers myoprotection towards ischemia in C2C12 skeletal muscle cell model

► NGF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation through p75NTR and α9β1 integrin in C2C12 cells. ► α9β1 integrin is important in NGF signaling in the skeletal muscle lacking trkA. ► Autocrine trophic and myoprotective effects were mediated by NGF signaling. ► A novel NGF-induced, receptors cross-talk model is proposed for skeletal muscle.