VGF Nerve Growth Factor

Introduction

Vgf Nerve Growth Factor is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.

Overview

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    VGF["VGF"] -->|"associated with"| Alzheimer_S_Disease["Alzheimer'S Disease"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"biomarker for"| Alzheimer["Alzheimer"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"biomarker for"| Ms["Ms"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"associated with"| Alzheimer["Alzheimer"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"expressed in"| Ms["Ms"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"expressed in"| Cancer["Cancer"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"expressed in"| Tumor["Tumor"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"expressed in"| Schizophrenia["Schizophrenia"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"activates"| Tumor["Tumor"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"activates"| Als["Als"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"activates"| Glioblastoma["Glioblastoma"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"regulates"| Ms["Ms"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"inhibits"| Depression["Depression"]
    VGF["VGF"] -->|"regulates"| Alzheimer["Alzheimer"]
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VGF (VGF Nerve Growth Factor Inducible) is a neuropeptide precursor protein that plays important roles in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and energy homeostasis. VGF is induced by nerve growth factor (NGF) and is expressed in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is processed into multiple bioactive peptides that regulate mood, appetite, and synaptic function. ^{1(2007)2007 · Mol Cell Neurosci · PMID 17258908Open reference}

This protein is involved in: ^{2(2011)2011 · Neurosci Lett · PMID 21146543Open reference}

• Neuronal development: Promotes neuronal survival and differentiation

• Synaptic plasticity: Regulates synaptic function and memory formation

• Energy homeostasis: Controls appetite and metabolism

• Disease associations: Alzheimer’s disease, depression, cachexia, neurodegenerative disorders

VGF (non-acronymic) is a neurotrophic factor and neuropeptide precursor protein that plays critical roles in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, energy homeostasis, and neuroprotection. It is a key therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s Disease and major depression. ^{3(2012)2012 · J Neurosci · PMID 22933809Open reference}

Structure

Gene and Protein Overview

• Gene Symbol: VGF

• Gene ID: 5139

• Chromosome: 7q22.1

• Protein Length: 617 amino acids

• Molecular Weight: ~68 kDa

• UniProt ID: Q9UK23

• PDB Structures: 2L8N, 2LQH (peptide fragments)

VGF is synthesized as a precursor protein that is proteolytically processed into multiple bioactive peptides, including TLQP-62, AQEE-30, and LQEQ-19. The protein contains a signal peptide for secretion and multiple cleavage sites for prohormone convertases.

Domain Organization

• Signal peptide (aa 1-23): Targets protein for secretory pathway

• Propeptide region (aa 24-83): Contains cleavage sites

• VGF mature region (aa 84-617): Contains multiple bioactive peptide sequences

• TLQP-62 domain: Most abundant VGF-derived peptide

• AQEE-30 domain: Involved in energy metabolism

• LQEQ-19 domain: Associated with synaptic function

Normal Function

Neurotrophic Activity

VGF is classified as a member of the neurotrophin family, closely related to NGF, BDNF, and NT-3. It promotes:

• Neuronal survival during development

• Synaptic plasticity and formation

• Axonal growth and regeneration

• Dendritic arborization

Energy Homeostasis

VGF plays a crucial role in regulating energy balance through:

• Leptin-independent appetite regulation

• Mitochondrial function in neurons

• Glucose metabolism in the brain

• Thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue

Synaptic Function

VGF-derived peptides enhance:

• Long-term potentiation (LTP) in hippocampal neurons

• Synaptic vesicle dynamics

• Neurotransmitter release

• Memory consolidation

Role in Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease

VGF is downregulated in AD brains, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex:^{4(2009)2009 · Neuropsychopharmacology · PMID 19158667Open reference}

• Reduced VGF expression correlates with cognitive decline

• VGF deficiency contributes to synaptic loss

• Decreased VGF levels found in AD cerebrospinal fluid^{1(2007)2007 · Mol Cell Neurosci · PMID 17258908Open reference}

• VGF promoter variants associated with AD risk^{2(2011)2011 · Neurosci Lett · PMID 21146543Open reference}

Therapeutic strategies:

• VGF-derived peptide analogs (TLQP-62) in development

• Gene therapy approaches to increase VGF expression

• Small molecule VGF inducers

Major Depressive Disorder

VGF is a well-established biomarker for depression:^{3(2012)2012 · J Neurosci · PMID 22933809Open reference}

• Reduced VGF in hippocampus of depressed patients

• VGF responds to antidepressant treatment

• TLQP-62 has rapid antidepressant-like effects

Parkinson’s Disease

VGF shows altered expression in PD:

• Reduced VGF in substantia nigra

• Potential role in dopaminergic neuron survival

• May protect against MPTP-induced parkinsonism

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

VGF is implicated in ALS pathogenesis:

• Upregulated in ALS spinal cord

• Associated with motoneuron degeneration

• Potential therapeutic target

Therapeutic Targeting

VGF-Derived Peptides

Drug Development Status

• Preclinical: VGF peptide analogs in animal models

• Research: Gene therapy vectors (AAV-VGF)

• Biomarker: VGF peptides in CSF as depression/biomarker

Background

The study of Vgf Nerve Growth Factor has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.

Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.

Brain Atlas Resources

• Allen Human Brain Atlas: [VGF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR expression](https://human.brain-map.org/microarray/search/show?search_term=VGF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR)

• Allen Cell Type Atlas: VGF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR cell type expression

• BrainSpan: VGF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR developmental expression

See Also

• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

• Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

• Neurotrophin-3 (NTF3)

• Synaptic Plasticity

• Alzheimer’s Disease

External Links

• UniProt Q9UK23

• GeneCards VGF

• PubMed VGF Neurodegeneration