NGF stands for Nerve Growth Factor, a protein capable of influencing the growth and activity of neurons (nerve cells).
The importance of NGF in the development and functioning of the nervous system is such that its discoverer, Rita Levi Montalcini, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine, along with the American Stanley Cohen, in 1986.
In 1951, the year of its discovery, it was seen that NGF was fundamental to stimulate the development of nerve structures during the first weeks of embryonic development. Since then, numerous studies have identified additional biological functions attributable to NGF, demonstrating for example how it can prevent damage to adult nerve cells induced by contact with toxic substances. The NGF is also able to guarantee the survival of neurons in the event that the blood supply is temporarily lacking (for example for an ischemic mini-stroke) and promotes its regeneration (a fundamental aspect for rehabilitation after a stroke). These discoveries have given way to further studies on the possible use of NGF in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and many others.
For topical use, the use of NGF has given excellent results in the treatment of corneal and retinal lesions. Being a protein (gastric digestion), which must act at the nervous level (let us think, for example, how difficult the CNS is), the clinical use has proved to be problematic; however the current possibility of obtaining the molecule by recombinant technology and the study of alternative administrations (for example nasally) opens important therapeutic prospects.
In addition to neuronal activity, NGF is also involved in many other biological functions, such as the immune, hematopoetic and reproductive functions. In fact it stimulates the immune defenses, both innate and specific, influences the production of blood cells and is present in the sperm and in the oocyte; even in some animals it has been shown that the NGF present in the sperm is able to induce the ovulation of the female.
NGF is the progenitor of a group of nerve growth factors, also known as neurotrophins (NT). The research activity on these neurotrophins is frenetic, since they are also involved in tumor growth processes.
