nerve-growth factor

biochemistry

Also known as: NGF

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a protein crucial for the development and maintenance of certain parts of the nervous system. It specifically promotes the growth of sensory and sympathetic neurons. NGF is also essential for the ongoing health of sympathetic neurons. The abbreviation for nerve growth factor is NGF.12

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growth
Internal factors
A protein called nerve-growth factor is important for the growth of some parts of the mammalian nervous system. If too much of the nerve-growth factor is present, growth of sympathetic nerve fibres is extensive and aberrant. If the nerve-growth factor is eliminated from the body—by injection of an…
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A protein called nerve-growth factor is important for the growth of some parts of the mammalian nervous system. If too much of the nerve-growth factor is present, growth of sympathetic nerve fibres is extensive and aberrant. If the nerve-growth factor is eliminated from the body—by injection of an…
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human nervous system
Neuronal development
, nerve growth factor) that is essential for the survival of the neuron synapsing with it. Physical guidance cues are involved in contact guidance, or the migration of immature neurons along a scaffold of glial fibers.
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, nerve growth factor) that is essential for the survival of the neuron synapsing with it. Physical guidance cues are involved in contact guidance, or the migration of immature neurons along a scaffold of glial fibers.
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Rita Levi-Montalcini
…the tumour that they named nerve-growth factor (NGF). Levi-Montalcini further showed that the tumour caused similar cell growth in a nerve-tissue culture kept alive in the laboratory, and Stanley Cohen, who by then had joined her at Washington University, was able to isolate the NGF from the tumour. NGF was…
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…the tumour that they named nerve-growth factor (NGF). Levi-Montalcini further showed that the tumour caused similar cell growth in a nerve-tissue culture kept alive in the laboratory, and Stanley Cohen, who by then had joined her at Washington University, was able to isolate the NGF from the tumour. NGF was…
Read More