Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

The nerve growth factor family.

¹Max-Planck Institute for Psychiatry, Department of Neurochemistry, Martinsried, F.R.G.

Progress in Growth Factor Research

|January 1, 1990

Summary

Neurotrophins like Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) are crucial for neuron survival. NGF administration shows potential in preventing neuron death and improving memory in animal models.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Molecular control of neuronal survival.

Restorative neurology and neuroscience·2011

Same author

Strain-specific complementation between NRIF1 and NRIF2, two zinc finger proteins sharing structural and biochemical properties.

Gene·2001

Same author

A novel 7-transmembrane receptor expressed in nerve growth factor-dependent sensory neurons.

Molecular and cellular neurosciences·2001

Same author

Neurotrophins are required for nerve growth during development.

Nature neuroscience·2001

Same author

Neurotrophins: key regulators of cell fate and cell shape in the vertebrate nervous system.

Genes & development·2000

Same author

Down-regulation of the neurotrophin receptor TrkB following ligand binding. Evidence for an involvement of the proteasome and differential regulation of TrkA and TrkB.

The Journal of biological chemistry·2000

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

Neurotrophins, including NGF, BDNF, and NT-3, are small secretory proteins vital for neuronal survival.
These neurotrophins share significant amino acid identity and are expressed throughout development and in adult tissues, particularly the adult brain's hippocampal formation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role and expression of neurotrophic factors in the central nervous system.
To explore the potential therapeutic applications of neurotrophins, specifically NGF, in neuronal health and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

Analysis of neurotrophin gene expression in various tissues, with a focus on the adult brain.
Investigation of neurotransmitter regulation of NGF and BDNF mRNA levels.
Experimental administration of NGF to assess its effects on axotomized neurons and memory performance in rats.

Main Results:

Neurotrophin genes are expressed in neurons and are regulated by neurotransmitters, with the hippocampus showing the highest expression.
NGF administration demonstrated a protective effect against the atrophy and death of axotomized cholinergic neurons.
NGF treatment improved the performance of rats with poor memory retention in behavioral tasks.

Conclusions:

Neurotrophins play a significant role in neuronal survival and function in both developmental and adult stages.
NGF exhibits neuroprotective properties and has the potential to enhance cognitive functions, suggesting therapeutic possibilities for neurological conditions.

Related Experiment Videos