Anti-NGF Antibody Picoband®

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic factor and neuropeptide primarily involved in the regulation of growth, maintenance, proliferation, and survival of certain target neurons. It is mapped to 1p13.2. 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.

Expressed in thymus, peripheral leukocytes as T-cells and spleen. Isoforms A are preferentially expressed in effector T-cells (thymus and peripheral leukocytes) whereas isoforms B and isoforms C are preferentially expressed in naive T-cells (spleen) . Isoforms B are expressed in naive T-cells after first antigen exposure and isoforms A are expressed in effector T-cells after second antigen exposure. Isoforms IA are widely expressed but not detected in liver nor pancreas, neural expression is strongest in corpus callosum. Isoforms IB are expressed mostly in muscle, cerebellum, placenta and thymus, neural expression in fetal and adult brain, strongest in corpus callosum.

Nerve growth factor is important for the development and maintenance of the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems. Extracellular ligand for the NTRK1 and NGFR receptors, activates cellular signaling cascades to regulate neuronal proliferation, differentiation and survival (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) . Inhibits metalloproteinase-dependent proteolysis of platelet glycoprotein VI. 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.

1. Breakefield, X. O., Orloff, G., Castiglione, C., Coussens, L., Axelrod, F. B., Ullrich, A. Structural gene for beta-nerve growth factor not defective in familial dysautonomia. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 81: 4213-4216, 1984. 2. Carrier, A., Rosier, M.-F., Guillemot, F., Goguel, A.-F., Pulcini, F., Bernheim, A., Auffray, C., Devignes, M.-D. Integrated physical, genetic, and genic map covering 3 Mb around the human NGF gene (NGFB) at 1p13. Genomics 31: 80-89, 1996. 3. Carvalho, O. P., Thornton, G. K., Hertecant, J., Houlden, H., Nicholas, A. K., Cox, J. J., Rielly, M., Al-Gazali, L., Woods, C. G. A novel NGF mutation clarifies the molecular mechanism and extends the phenotypic spectrum of the HSAN5 neuropathy. J. Med. Genet. 48: 131-135, 2011.

At -20°C for one year from date of receipt. After reconstitution, at 4°C for one month. It can also be aliquotted and stored frozen at -20°C for six months. Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.