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ProNGF: a neurotrophic or an apoptotic molecule?
Margaret Fahnestock1, Guanhua Yu, Michael D Coughlin
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada. fahnest@mcmaster.ca
Progress in Brain Research
|January 1, 2004
Summary
Pro-nerve growth factor (proNGF) is abundant in the central nervous system, unlike mature NGF. This suggests proNGF has unique functions beyond its precursor role, with ongoing research exploring its neurotrophic and apoptotic activities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is crucial for neuronal survival, outgrowth, and differentiation.
- NGF is synthesized as a precursor (proNGF) that is processed into mature NGF.
- Previous studies assumed mature NGF dominates in vivo, particularly in the mouse submandibular gland.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and processing of NGF.
- To investigate the distinct biological activities of proNGF.
- To explore discrepancies in reported proNGF functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NGF structure, processing, and function.
- Analysis of studies investigating proNGF in central nervous system tissues.
- Comparison of conflicting reports on proNGF's apoptotic versus neurotrophic activities.
Main Results:
- ProNGF is abundant in central nervous system tissues, while mature NGF is undetectable.
- This contrasts with the assumption that mature NGF is the predominant active form in vivo.
- Recent reports show conflicting data regarding proNGF's apoptotic and neurotrophic activities.
Conclusions:
- ProNGF may possess functions independent of its role as a mature NGF precursor.
- The abundance of proNGF in the CNS suggests a significant, potentially distinct, biological role.
- Further research is needed to reconcile conflicting findings on proNGF's specific activities.