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You know what it looks like… but what is it called?
TAKE THE QUIZnerve growth factor
noun
: a protein that promotes development of the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems and is required for maintenance of sympathetic neurons
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
For example, some focus on your neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), while others target blood flow circulation, brain oxygen levels, nerve growth factor proteins, or nutrient deprivation.
—
Dallas News, 24 July 2022
In particular, nootropics rich in amino acids may support a healthy nerve growth factor and neural communication, causing a boost in your short-term memory and recall ability.
—Dallas News, 17 June 2022
In 1991, Japanese researchers discovered that Lion’s Mane contains two novel classes of nerve growth factor — molecules called hericenones and erinacines — that stimulate the differentiation and re-myelination of neurons.
—Discover Magazine, 31 May 2013
For years, scientists hoped that limiting something called nerve growth factor would inhibit pain.
—Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2022
The drug contains a cat-specific antibody that binds to nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that mediates pain by binding to specific receptors in cats, explained Bruce Kornreich, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center.
—Sara Tabin, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2022
Tanezumab acts by inhibiting nerve growth factor, which causes sensitive nerves to grow and feel pain at the site of inflamed joints.
—Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 25 Mar. 2021
This method led to the discovery of the nerve growth factor in the 1950s, and scientists still use it today to study stem cells.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2020
Rita Levi-Montalcini, his colleague at the time, had made a seminal discovery of a protein known as nerve growth factor, which stimulated the growth of nerve cells in laboratory mice.
—Matt Schudel, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Feb. 2020
See More
Dallas News, 24 July 2022
In particular, nootropics rich in amino acids may support a healthy nerve growth factor and neural communication, causing a boost in your short-term memory and recall ability.
—Dallas News, 17 June 2022
In 1991, Japanese researchers discovered that Lion’s Mane contains two novel classes of nerve growth factor — molecules called hericenones and erinacines — that stimulate the differentiation and re-myelination of neurons.
—Discover Magazine, 31 May 2013
For years, scientists hoped that limiting something called nerve growth factor would inhibit pain.
—Karen Weintraub, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2022
The drug contains a cat-specific antibody that binds to nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein that mediates pain by binding to specific receptors in cats, explained Bruce Kornreich, director of the Cornell Feline Health Center.
—Sara Tabin, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2022
Tanezumab acts by inhibiting nerve growth factor, which causes sensitive nerves to grow and feel pain at the site of inflamed joints.
—Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 25 Mar. 2021
This method led to the discovery of the nerve growth factor in the 1950s, and scientists still use it today to study stem cells.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2020
Rita Levi-Montalcini, his colleague at the time, had made a seminal discovery of a protein known as nerve growth factor, which stimulated the growth of nerve cells in laboratory mice.
—Matt Schudel, BostonGlobe.com, 9 Feb. 2020
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nerve growth factor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1958, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of nerve growth factor was
in 1958
Dictionary Entries Near nerve growth factor
Cite this Entry
“Nerve growth factor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerve%20growth%20factor. Accessed 9 Feb. 2023.
Medical Definition
nerve growth factor
noun
: a protein that promotes development of the sensory and sympathetic nervous systems and is required for maintenance of sympathetic neurons
—abbreviation NGF
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