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

Monoclonal antibodies -- lab-made proteins that mimic our natural antibodies and bind to specific proteins to treat diseases -- have emerged as a promising treatment for chronic pain by targeting nerve growth factor and sequestering it.

From Science Daily

The researchers were able to address these symptoms by treating study mice with molecules that suppress production of the mast-cell generated nerve growth factor.

From Science Daily

My lab began working on engineering viruses to insert nerve growth factor in cells to transplant into the brain and subsequently contributed to building the first safe viral packages to deliver genes to the brain.

From Washington Post

His colleague at the time, Rita Levi-Montalcini, had made a seminal discovery of a protein known as nerve growth factor, which stimulated the growth of nerve cells in laboratory mice.

From Washington Post

The pain pathway is kicked off when a substance called nerve growth factor is released by injured or inflamed cells.

From Science Magazine