NGF Antibodies

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) antibodies are specific immunoglobulins developed to target and bind to NGF, a neurotrophic factor essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons. NGF plays a crucial role in the development of the peripheral nervous system and influences synaptic plasticity and repair mechanisms. NGF antibodies are valuable tools for both basic neuroscience research and therapeutic applications, especially in conditions involving neurodegeneration and chronic pain.

Content

NGF is a protein belonging to the neurotrophin family, which supports the growth and differentiation of sensory and sympathetic neurons. NGF binds to two main receptors: the high-affinity TrkA receptor and the low-affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). Interaction with these receptors activates signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival, axonal growth, and synaptic strength. 

Applications

• Western Blotting: NGF antibodies are used to detect and quantify NGF expression in tissue extracts or cultured cells. This is essential for studying NGF signaling pathways and understanding its role in neuronal development and injury response.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): Researchers use NGF antibodies to visualize the localization and distribution of NGF in tissue sections. This application helps in studying the involvement of NGF in various physiological and pathological processes, including neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): Quantitative measurement of NGF in biological samples such as cerebrospinal fluid, serum, and tissue homogenates can be achieved using ELISA kits. This is important for biomarker discovery and monitoring therapeutic responses.
• Flow Cytometry: NGF antibodies enable the detection of NGF on the cell surface, allowing the study of NGF-receptor interactions and the evaluation of NGF-producing cells. Flow cytometry provides a detailed analysis of NGF expression levels across different cell populations.

NGF antibodies are essential tools for both basic and applied research, providing insights into neurotrophic signaling, disease mechanisms, and the development of therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative and pain-related disorders.