Nerve Growth Factor
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), pronounced as /nɜːrv groʊθ ˈfæk.tər/, is a protein that plays a crucial role in the growth, maintenance, and survival of certain nerve cells. It is a member of the Neurotrophin family, which also includes Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4).
Etymology
The term "Nerve Growth Factor" is derived from its function in the body. The word "nerve" comes from the Latin nervus, meaning "sinew, tendon, nerve". "Growth" is from the Old Norse groði, meaning "growth, increase", and "factor" is from the Latin factor, meaning "doer, maker".
Function
NGF is vital for the growth and survival of neurons during development and continues to maintain neuronal function and plasticity in the adult nervous system. It is also involved in processes such as Neurogenesis, Neurite Outgrowth, and Neuronal Differentiation.
Related Terms
- Neurotrophin: A family of proteins that induce the survival, development, and function of neurons.
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): A protein that supports the survival of existing neurons and encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses.
- Neurogenesis: The process by which neurons are generated from neural stem cells and progenitor cells.
- Neurite Outgrowth: The process by which developing neurons produce new projections as they grow in response to guidance cues.
- Neuronal Differentiation: The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.
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