Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic protein, a small signaling molecule that is crucial for the survival, differentiation, and maintenance of sensory and sympathetic neurons. This peptide hormone is essential for the proper development and function of the peripheral nervous system and also plays a role in the central nervous system. NGF is a key regulator of neuronal plasticity and is implicated in the pathophysiology of pain and various neurological disorders. It represents a vital link between the endocrine and nervous systems.
Origin
NGF was the first neurotrophin discovered, a finding that fundamentally changed the understanding of nervous system development and maintenance. The term is descriptive, directly referencing its primary biological function of promoting the growth and survival of nerve cells. This seminal discovery established the field of neurotrophic factors in biological research, leading to a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Its therapeutic potential is currently being explored for neurodegenerative diseases.
Mechanism
NGF exerts its effects by binding to two distinct receptor types on the neuronal cell surface: the high-affinity TrkA receptor (a receptor tyrosine kinase) and the low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor. Binding to TrkA initiates a signal transduction cascade, including the MAPK and PI3K pathways, which promote neuronal survival and differentiation. The coordinated activation of these pathways ensures the structural and functional integrity of the nervous system. The p75 receptor often modulates the effects of the TrkA signaling.
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