The present invention relates to peptides derived from neuroplastin which are capable of inducing neurite outgrowth by modulating intracellular calcium concentration and activity of intracellular signalling molecules such as Akt, Erk1/2 and CREB through binding and/or modulation of receptor tyrosine kinases including but not limited to Fibroblast Growth Factor receptors (FGFRs). The peptides are derived from neuroplastin or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to use of said peptides for the production of a medicament for the treatment of different pathological conditions, wherein neuroplastin and/or receptor tyrosine kinases, including but not limited to FGFRs, play a prominent role.