nerve growth factor

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a protein that promotes the growth, organization, and maintenance of sympathetic and some sensory nerve cells. : NGF

nerve growth factor

noun

1. a polypeptide produced by neurones and their supporting tissues as well as some other tissues that stimulate the growth of neurones
2. any of various related polypeptides that promote the growth of neurones

Word History and Origins

Origin of nerve growth factor¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Mast cells release chemicals called nerve growth factor, which drive overgrowth and increase sensitivity of nerves.

From Science Daily

My lab began working on engineering viruses to insert nerve growth factor in cells to transplant into the brain and subsequently contributed to building the first safe viral packages to deliver genes to the brain.

From Washington Post

His colleague at the time, Rita Levi-Montalcini, had made a seminal discovery of a protein known as nerve growth factor, which stimulated the growth of nerve cells in laboratory mice.

From Washington Post

The pain pathway is kicked off when a substance called nerve growth factor is released by injured or inflamed cells.

From Science Magazine

This particular gene helps regulate a protein known as "nerve growth factor."

From US News