Definition of Nerve growth factor
1. Noun. A protein that is involved in the growth of peripheral nerve cells.
Definition of Nerve growth factor
1. Noun. (protein) a functional protein complex required for the suvival, growth and specialization of certain types of neurons in vertebrates. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Medical Definition of Nerve growth factor
1.
A peptide (13.26 kD) of 118 amino acids (usually dimeric) with both chemotropic and chemotrophic properties for sympathetic and sensory neurons.
Found in a variety of peripheral tissues, nerve growth factor attracts neurites to the tissues by chemotropism, where they form synapses. The successful neurons are then protected from neuronal death by continuing supplies of nerve growth factor.
It is also found at exceptionally high levels in snake venom and male mouse submaxillary salivary glands, from which it is commercially extracted. Nerve growth factor was the first of a family of nerve tropic factors to be discovered.
Amino acids 1-81 show homology with proinsulin. Besides its peripheral actions, nerve growth factor selectively enhances the growth of cholinergic neurons that project to the forebrain and that degenerate in Alzheimer's disease.
Acronym: NGF
This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology
(11 Mar 2008)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Nerve Growth Factor
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