ProNGF Human

Pro-Nerve Growth Factor (Pro-NGF) is a precursor protein to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a crucial molecule involved in the development, maintenance, and survival of neurons. NGF was the first neurotrophin discovered and has been extensively studied for its role in neuroregulation and disease pathogenesis .

The discovery of NGF dates back to the pioneering work of Nobel Prize winner Rita Levi-Montalcini. Her groundbreaking research laid the foundation for understanding the physiological roles of neurotrophins, including NGF . Over the years, advancements in biotechnology have enabled the production of recombinant forms of these proteins, including Pro-NGF.

Pro-NGF human recombinant is produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and is a single, non-glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 224 amino acids with a molecular mass of 25 kDa . The recombinant protein is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques to ensure high purity and stability. It is typically lyophilized (freeze-dried) for storage and reconstituted in distilled water for use in research and therapeutic applications .

Pro-NGF plays a significant role in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and cell survival. It is involved in various signaling pathways that regulate neuronal health and function. The precursor form, Pro-NGF, must be cleaved to generate mature NGF, which then exerts its biological effects by binding to specific receptors on the surface of neurons .

Recent advances in the production and scientific understanding of recombinant NGF have led to its clinical development. In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved cenegermin-bkbj, a recombinant human NGF, for the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis, a degenerative eye disease . This approval marked a significant milestone in the therapeutic application of NGF and opened new avenues for research into its potential uses in other neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases .