Nerve Growth Factor, Beta (NGF) Active Protein

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]

Function: Nerve growth factor is important for the development and maintenance of the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems. It stimulates division and differentiation of sympathetic and embryonic sensory neurons.

Subunit structure: Homodimer.

Subcellular location: Secreted.

Involvement in disease: Defects in NGF are the cause of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 5 (HSAN5) [

MIM:608654]. The hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies are 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. Ref.17

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the NGF-beta family.

Sequence caution: The sequence AAH32517.2 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous initiation.