NGF-Polyclonal Antibodies

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a small, secreted protein and member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors that promote neuronal cell survival and differentiation (1). Producing cells release NGF that bind and activate TrkA high affinity receptors to mediate NGF-driven signaling. NGF also binds to a low affinity p75 (NTR) receptors, which belong to the death receptor family (2). Although NGF has been classically described as favoring neuron survival and differentiation, nerve growth factor can promote apoptosis in cells that contain p75 (NTR) and lack TrkA. NGF can induce neuron death in a variety of neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer disease (3). Besides its neurotrophic actions, NGF has an effect on non-neuronal cells and may help mediate inflammation, angiogenesis, and stimulate breast cancer cell growth (4-6). NGF signaling is looking increasingly promising as potential drug targets for diseases.

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