Neuronal Growth Factors

Compares and contrasts the biochemistry and biology of nerve growth factor (NGF) and acidic-and basic-fibroblast growth factors. The text will benefit readers concerned with the mechanisms governing neural development, as well as those interested in neurodegenerative diseases.

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This text compares and contrasts the biochemistry and biology of nerve growth factor (NGF) and acidic- and basic-fibroblast growth factors in the hope that these extensively characterized factors may serve as useful models for the growing list of less well characterized neurotrophic factors. Nerve growth factor represents one member of a family of several structurally and functionally related peptides; the fibroblast growth factors represent a second large family of peptides. Each family of factors illustrates the important concept that individual peptide factors may have a diverse array of functions on a variety of different cell types. This book covers a broad range of topics from the biochemistry of synthesis, processing and release of the factors, to the biochemistry of cell surface receptors and signal transduction mechanisms, to the regulation of expression of factors and receptors in development, to discussions of specific functional roles in the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.
The volume will be of interest to those concerned with the mechanisms governing neural development, as well as those interested in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease.