Nerve Growth Factor

Literature References: Polypeptide factor which promotes the growth and survival of peripheral sympathetic and sensory neurons and basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. Prototype of the neurotrophins, q.v. Synthesized in limiting amounts by target tissues of NGF-responsive cells; anomalous sources of large amounts of NGF include mouse submaxillary gland, snake venom gland, and guinea pig prostate. Bioactive form, also referred to as b-NGF, is a tightly associated dimer of 2 identical polypeptide chains. Mol wt of the dimer ~26,500 Da. Initial identification as a nerve growth stimulating factor from mouse sarcoma: R. Levi-Montalcini, V. Hamburger, J. Exp. Zool. 116, 321 (1951); R. Levi-Montalcini, Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 55, 330 (1952). Identification in snake venom: S. Cohen, J. Biol. Chem. 234, 1129 (1959); in mouse submaxillary gland: idem, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 46, 302 (1960); in guinea pig prostate: G. P. Harper et al., Nature 279, 160 (1979). Occurs in mouse submaxillary gland as a complex (known as 7S NGF) composed of a-, b-, and g-subunits, of which only the b-subunit is bioactive. Characterization of subunits: S. Varon et al., Biochemistry 7, 1296 (1968); A. C. Server, E. M. Shooter, Adv. Protein Chem. 31, 339 (1977). Amino acid sequence of mouse NGF: R. H. Angeletti, R. A. Bradshaw, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 68, 2417 (1971). Cloning of mouse NGF: J. Scott et al., Nature 302, 538 (1983); of human: A. Ullrich et al., ibid. 303, 821 (1983). Crystal structure: N. Q. McDonald et al., ibid. 354, 411 (1991). Review of NGF receptor: P. A. Barker, R. A. Murphy, Mol. Cell. Biochem. 110, 1-15 (1992). Review of pharmacology and potential role in neurodegenerative disease: F. Hefti, P. A. Lapchak, Adv. Pharmacol. 24, 239-273 (1993); in peripheral nerve regeneration: G. Raivich, G. W. Kreutzberg, Clin. Neurol. Neurosurg. 95 Suppl., S84-S88 (1993). Reviews: R. Levi-Montalcini, R. H. Angeletti, Physiol. Rev. 48, 534-569 (1968); H. Thoenen, Y. A. Barde, ibid. 60, 1284-1335 (1980); R. Levi-Montalcini, Science 237, 1154-1162 (1987); R. A. Bradshaw et al., Trends Biochem. Sci. 18, 48-52 (1993). Book: Neurotrophic Factors S. E. Loughlin, J. H. Fallon, Eds. (Academic Press, San Diego, 1993) 607 pp.