Definition of NGF

1. Noun. A protein that is involved in the growth of peripheral nerve cells.

Exact synonyms: Nerve Growth Factor
Generic synonyms: Growth Factor

Medical Definition of NGF

1. A peptide (13.26 kD) of 118 amino acids (usually dimeric) with both chemotropic and chemotrophic properties for sympathetic and sensory neurons. Found in a variety of peripheral tissues, nerve growth factor attracts neurites to the tissues by chemotropism, where they form synapses. The successful neurons are then protected from neuronal death by continuing supplies of nerve growth factor. It is also found at exceptionally high levels in snake venom and male mouse submaxillary salivary glands, from which it is commercially extracted. Nerve growth factor was the first of a family of nerve tropic factors to be discovered. Amino acids 1-81 show homology with proinsulin. Besides its peripheral actions, nerve growth factor selectively enhances the growth of cholinergic neurons that project to the forebrain and that degenerate in Alzheimer's disease. Acronym: NGF This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

Lexicographical Neighbors of NGF

NF kappa B
ng
ng
ng-nitroarginine methyl ester
ng/dl
ng/ml
ngaio
ngaios
Ngaio Marsh
ngana
nganas
Nganasan
NGB
NgCAM
NGF (current term)
NGF (current term)
NGF antiserum
NGO
NgoBVII methyltransferase
NGU
ngultrum
ngultrums
Nguni
Nguyen Tat Thanh
ngwee
NH
NH2-terminal
nhandu
nhandus
NHS

Other Resources:

Search for NGF on Dictionary.com!Search for NGF on Thesaurus.com!Search for NGF on Google!Search for NGF on Wikipedia!

Search