NGF
NGF (nerve growth factor, also known as NGFB) is a secreted neurotrophin that supports the development and maintenance of the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems. It signals through the NTRK1 and NGFR receptors to regulate neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NGF research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NGF is an extracellular ligand for the NTRK1 and NGFR receptors. Through these receptors it activates cellular signalling cascades that regulate neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival, and it is important for the development and maintenance of the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems. The secreted protein homodimerises and is incorporated into a larger complex with nerve growth stimulating activity.
The immature precursor, proNGF, behaves differently from the mature protein. It acts as a ligand for the heterodimeric receptor formed by SORCS2 and NGFR, and triggers signalling that leads to inactivation of RAC1 and/or RAC2, reorganisation of the actin cytoskeleton and neuronal growth cone collapse. In contrast to mature NGF, proNGF promotes neuronal apoptosis in vitro. NGF also inhibits metalloproteinase-dependent proteolysis of platelet glycoprotein VI, and binds lysophosphatidylinositol and lysophosphatidylserine between the two chains of the homodimer. The lipid-bound form promotes histamine release from mast cells, whereas the lipid-free form does not.
The NGF gene encodes a member of the NGF-beta family, which HGNC classes within the neurotrophins. It was formerly named nerve growth factor (beta polypeptide), and NGFB is a previous symbol. Mutations in the gene have been associated with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, type 5 (HSAN5), and dysregulated expression is associated with allergic rhinitis. Orthologous genes are named Ngf in both mouse and rat, which supports comparative work on this neurotrophin.
NGF signalling through NTRK1 and NGFR regulates neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival, making it central to studies of neuronal development.
NGF is important for the development and maintenance of sympathetic and sensory neurons, a focus for neurobiology research.
proNGF engages the SORCS2–NGFR receptor, inactivating RAC1 and/or RAC2 and driving actin reorganisation, growth cone collapse and apoptosis in vitro.
NGF mutations are linked to HSAN5, and altered expression is associated with allergic rhinitis, with lipid-bound NGF promoting mast cell histamine release.
NGF is important for the development and maintenance of the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems. As an extracellular ligand for NTRK1 and NGFR, it activates signalling cascades that regulate neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival. Its precursor, proNGF, can instead promote neuronal apoptosis in vitro.
The HGNC name is nerve growth factor, and UniProt lists the protein as beta-nerve growth factor. NGFB is a previous symbol, and an earlier name was nerve growth factor (beta polypeptide). The immature precursor form is called proNGF. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Mutations in the NGF gene have been associated with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, type 5 (HSAN5), and dysregulated expression is associated with allergic rhinitis. Mouse and rat both carry an orthologous gene named Ngf. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Neurotrophin family members, NGF receptors and signalling partners with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P01138; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.