BUY hbeta-NGF

hbeta-NGF
human beta-Nerve Growth Factor
Recombinant, E. coli

The neurotrophins ("neuro" means nerve and "trophe" means nutrient) are a family of soluble, basic growth factors which regulate neuronal development, maintenance, survival and death in the CNS and the PNS. NGF, the first member of the family to be discovered, was originally purified as a factor able to support survival of sympathetic and sensory spinal neurons in culture. It is synthesized and secreted by sympathetic and sensory target organs and provides trophic support to neurons as they reach their final target.

Neurotrophin secretion increases in the nervous system following injury. Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and activated mast cells normally synthesize NGF constitutively; however direct trauma and induction of cytokines combine to increase neurotrophin production in these cells after injury.

The structural hallmark of all the neurotrophins is the characteristic arrangement of the disulfide bridges known as the cysteine knot, which has been found in other growth factors such as Platelet-Dervied Growth Factor. There is a 95.8% homology between the rat and mouse forms, and an 85% homology between the human and mouse.

NGF has been shown to regulate neuronal survival, development function and plasticity. Recently, involvement of NGF in processes not involving neuronal cells has been shown, such as asthma, psoriasis and wound healing. The biological effects of NGF are mediated by two receptors: TrkA, which is specific for NGF and p75^NTR, which binds all the neurotrophins.

Neurotrophic Factors, Nerve Growth Factors, NGF