nerve growth factor

American  

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a protein that promotes the growth, organization, and maintenance of sympathetic and some sensory nerve cells. NGF

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nerve growth factor British  

noun

1. a polypeptide produced by neurones and their supporting tissues as well as some other tissues that stimulate the growth of neurones

2. any of various related polypeptides that promote the growth of neurones

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Etymology

Origin of nerve growth factor

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Given the newfound role of NRP1 in nerve growth factor pain signaling, the researchers envision several ways that this knowledge can be used to redeploy existing therapies to treat pain and create new ones.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2024

The researchers are also harnessing their new understanding of the pain signaling complex, determining the sites at which nerve growth factor, TrkA, and NRP1 interact, and generating peptides that disrupt them.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2024

Mast cells release chemicals called nerve growth factor, which drive overgrowth and increase sensitivity of nerves.

From Science Daily • Mar. 2, 2024

But it would not stop the neurons from recognizing and responding to other pain-inducing molecules generated by injury or inflammation—protons, prostaglandins, and a protein called nerve growth factor, for example.

From Scientific American • Oct. 10, 2021

Excessive ovarian production of nerve growth factor facilitates development of cystic ovarian morphology in mice and is a feature of polycystic ovarian syndrome in humans.

From Scientific American • Sep. 5, 2012