Nerve growth factor

Nerve growth factor (english nerve growth factor, beta - NGF ) is a protein in vertebrates. He was discovered in the 1950s by Rita Levi Montalcini and Viktor Hamburger - and is one of many neurotrophic factors. NGF belongs to the neurotrophins. Mutations in the NGF gene can lead to hereditary neuropathy ( HSAN5 ).

Function

In the embryonic millions of axons must find a way to the right dendrites and synaptic interconnections, thus a functioning nervous system is created. To find this path, distributed by target structures in the central nervous system mediator substances, called chemokines. The increasing concentration of chemokines following, the outgrowths of nerve fibers finally reach their destination. NGF has been discovered because it possesses in the cell culture, the power to make the nerve cells to form such sprouts.

Recent research have shown that in the living organism (in vivo) other chemokines ( netrins ) serve as guidance signals. Rather, NGF exerts a stabilizing effect on existing synaptic connections from. This thesis was also supported by the fact that the withdrawal of NGF (programmed cell death, apoptosis) leads to increased cell death.

Also it was shown that an injury of the skin such as is released ( in the periphery of the body) there is a NGF and sprouting of injured nerve cells. ( Also found in laminae I, II and V ( Rexed zones) in the spinal cord a distribution of NGF and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP ) and will lead to the sprouting of the same axon. )

Rita Levi Montalcini - received in 1986, together with Stanley Cohen a Nobel Prize in Medicine for research on nerve growth factors.

Human Genome Organisation Stanley Cohen (biochemist)
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