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Part One: Neurotrophic Factors - An Overview
Peter Lipton
The Center for Neuroscience and Department of Physiology
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706 USA
Ronald Kalil
The Center for Neuroscience and Department of Opthamology
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706 USA
Many organic molecules, including hormones and proteins that act in autocrine or
paracrine modes, dramatically affect the general maintenance and growth of cells.
Collectively, these organic substances define a broad class of molecules known as growth
factors, which have been studied intensively for decades. More than 40 years ago a protein
growth factor was described, opening a new field of investigation that is flourishing
today. The factor, now known as nerve growth factor (NGF), has remarkable trophic effects
on neurons (1). In Part One of this two part article, we review NGF and related
neurotrophic factors - proteins which are able to promote differentiation, mitosis and/or
survival of peripheral and CNS neurons. We review the mechanism of action of a subclass of
these proteins known as neurotrophins, of which NGF is the original member (2). In part
two of this article, to appear in Promega Notes 51, we will focus primarily on the
functions of neurotrophins in development and disease.
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