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Designing Porous Silicon Films as Carriers of Nerve Growth Factor
Published on: January 25, 2019
Nerve growth factor as an angiogenic factor.
Beatrice Nico1, Domenica Mangieri, Vincenzo Benagiano
1Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, Policlinico, 70124 Bari, Italy.
Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a novel angiogenic molecule impacting cardiovascular health and endothelial cell function. This review explores NGF's role in blood vessel formation during normal and disease states.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin vital for sympathetic neuron development and function.
- Recent findings reveal NGF as a significant angiogenic molecule with cardiovascular implications.
- NGF influences endothelial cell maintenance, survival, and function via autocrine/paracrine signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted role of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in regulating angiogenesis.
- To elucidate NGF's involvement in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis.
- To highlight NGF's impact on endothelial cells within the cardiovascular system.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on NGF and angiogenesis.
- Analysis of research on NGF's effects on endothelial cells.
- Synthesis of data regarding NGF's role in normal and diseased vasculature.
Main Results:
- NGF demonstrates significant angiogenic properties, influencing blood vessel formation.
- NGF supports endothelial cell viability and function, crucial for vascular health.
- NGF's angiogenic activity is relevant in both normal physiological processes and pathological conditions like cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis with critical roles in the cardiovascular system.
- Understanding NGF's mechanisms in endothelial cells offers insights into vascular health and disease.
- NGF's involvement in angiogenesis warrants further investigation for therapeutic potential in cardiovascular conditions.
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Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...

