NGF

This gene is a member of the NGF-beta family and encodes a secreted protein which homodimerizes and is incorporated into a larger complex. This protein has nerve growth stimulating activity and the complex is involved in the regulation of growth and the differentiation of sympathetic and certain sensory neurons. Mutations in this gene have been associated with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, type 5 (HSAN5), and dysregulation of this gene's expression is associated with allergic rhinitis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Nerve Growth Factor

Nerve growth factor is important for the development and maintenance of the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems (PubMed:14976160, PubMed:20978020).
Extracellular ligand for the NTRK1 and NGFR receptors, activates cellular signaling cascades to regulate neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival (PubMed:20978020) (Probable). The immature NGF precursor (proNGF) functions as ligand for the heterodimeric receptor formed by SORCS2 and NGFR, and activates cellular signaling cascades that lead to inactivation of RAC1 and/or RAC2, reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and neuronal growth cone collapse. In contrast to mature NGF, the precursor form (proNGF) promotes neuronal apoptosis (in vitro) (By similarity).
Inhibits metalloproteinase-dependent proteolysis of platelet glycoprotein VI (PubMed:20164177).
Binds lysophosphatidylinositol and lysophosphatidylserine between the two chains of the homodimer. The lipid-bound form promotes histamine relase from mast cells, contrary to the lipid-free form (By similarity).

Activation of cysteine-type endopeptidase activity involved in apoptotic processIGI:ARUK-UCL
Extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway via death domain receptorsManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:BHF-UCL
MemoryManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Modulation of chemical synaptic transmissionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Negative regulation of cell population proliferationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ARUK-UCL
Negative regulation of neuron apoptotic processManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Nerve developmentManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Nerve growth factor signaling pathwayManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Neuron apoptotic processIGI:ARUK-UCL
Neuron projection morphogenesisManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIDA:MGI
Peripheral nervous system developmentManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Positive regulation of collateral sproutingManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Positive regulation of DNA bindingBy SimilarityISS:ARUK-UCL
Positive regulation of gene expressionManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIMP:UniProtKB
Positive regulation of neuron differentiationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ARUK-UCL
Positive regulation of peptidyl-serine phosphorylationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Positive regulation of Ras protein signal transductionISS:ParkinsonsUK-UCL
Regulation of neuron differentiationManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathwayManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central

Secreted
Endosome lumen
ProNGF is endocytosed after binding to the cell surface receptor formed by SORT1 and NGFR.

Neuropathy, hereditary sensory and autonomic, 5 (HSAN5):
A form of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by degeneration of dorsal root and autonomic ganglion cells, and by sensory and/or autonomic abnormalities. HSAN5 patients manifest loss of pain perception and impaired temperature sensitivity, ulcers, and in some cases self-mutilation. The autonomic involvement is variable.