Who discovered nerve growth factor?
Who discovered nerve growth factor?
Rita Levi-Montalcini
The discovery of nerve growth factor (NGF) by Rita Levi-Montalcini in the 1950s represents an important milestone in the processes that led to modern cell biology. NGF was the first growth factor identified, for its action on the morphological differentiation of neural-crest-derived nerve cells.
Is NGF good or bad?
For over 35 years, NGF has been considered as a very powerful and selective growth factor for sympathetic and sensory neurons and for cells derived from the neuronal crest (Figure 2)[14–16]. In these neurons, NGF dynamically controls neurotransmitters and neuropeptides synthesis.
What is NGF in medicine?
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that activates nociceptive neurons to transmit pain signals from the peripheral to the central nervous system and that exerts its effects on neurons by signalling through tyrosine kinase receptors.
What does NGF bind to?
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a homodimer that binds to two distinct receptor types, TrkA and p75, to support survival and differentiation of neurons.
How was NGF discovered?
NGF was discovered through a series of experiments in the 1950s on the development of the chick nervous system. Since its discovery, NGF has been found to act in a variety of tissues throughout development and adulthood. Mouse sarcoma 180 was discovered to have nerve growth properties.
What is Rita Levi-Montalcini most famous for?
Rita Levi-Montalcini, (born April 22, 1909, Turin, Italy—died December 30, 2012, Rome), Italian American neurologist who, with biochemist Stanley Cohen, shared the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1986 for her discovery of a bodily substance that stimulates and influences the growth of nerve cells.
What is the NGF gene?
The NGF gene provides instructions for making a protein called nerve growth factor beta (NGFβ). This protein is important in the development and survival of nerve cells (neurons), especially those that transmit pain, temperature, and touch sensations (sensory neurons).
Is NGF a neurotransmitter?
These findings suggest that NGF regulates neurotransmitter release through the activation of TrkA receptors, possibly by increasing the number of secretory vesicles in a readily releasable pool.
What is NGF gene?
What is NGF for brain?
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor and neuropeptide primarily involved in the regulation of growth, maintenance, proliferation, and survival of certain target neurons.
What cells secrete NGF?
NGF is produced and utilized by several cell types, including structural (epithelial cells, fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and hepatocytes), accessory (glial cells, astrocytes and Muller cells) and immune (antigen presenting cells, lymphocytes, granulocytes, mast cells and …
Why is NGF important?