Description
NGF is the first member of the neurotrophin-family trophic
factors. NGF regulates the growth, maintenance, proliferation, and survival of certain target neurons through activation of the high affinity receptor, tropomyosin receptor
kinase A (TrkA). NGF is also involved in apoptosis through
binding to the low affinity receptor, p75NTR. NGF consists
of three types of subunits, α, β, and γ, and the β-subunit is
solely responsible for the nerve growth stimulating activity of
NGF.
Clinical Use
NGF is now known to have therapeutic potential on
peripheral and central nervous system diseases but also
on the visual system, cutaneous wound healing, and
the regulation of immune system functions. NGF shows protective effects on cholinergic neurons
in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease model animals. NGF also shows promoting effects on neurite outgrowth
in the aged human and rat.