response to nerve growth factor

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

A process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a nerve growth factor stimulus. [PMID:22399805]

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor that plays a crucial role in the survival, growth, and differentiation of neurons, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. Its primary function is to promote the development and maintenance of sensory and sympathetic neurons, which are responsible for transmitting information from the body to the brain and vice versa.

The response to NGF involves a complex cascade of events, starting with the binding of NGF to its high-affinity receptor, TrkA, which is a receptor tyrosine kinase. This binding activates the intracellular signaling pathways, leading to a series of downstream effects, including:

1. **Survival and Growth:** NGF promotes the survival of neurons by preventing apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death. It also stimulates neurite outgrowth, the extension of axons and dendrites, which are essential for neuronal communication.

2. **Differentiation:** NGF influences the differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells into mature neurons. It regulates the expression of specific genes involved in neuronal function, such as those encoding neurotransmitters and ion channels.

3. **Synaptic Plasticity:** NGF plays a role in synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses, the junctions between neurons, to strengthen or weaken over time. It modulates the formation, maturation, and function of synapses, contributing to learning and memory.

4. **Inflammation and Pain:** NGF is also involved in inflammatory responses and pain perception. It is released by damaged tissues and activated immune cells, contributing to the sensitization of sensory neurons and the perception of pain.

The signaling pathways activated by NGF include the Ras/MAPK pathway, the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the PLCγ pathway. These pathways lead to the activation of transcription factors, such as NF-κB and CREB, which regulate the expression of genes involved in neuronal survival, growth, and differentiation.

In summary, the response to nerve growth factor is a multifaceted process that is essential for the development, maintenance, and function of the nervous system. NGF plays a critical role in neuronal survival, growth, differentiation, synaptic plasticity, and pain perception.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (2)