Vgf — Vgf Nerve Growth Factor Inducible is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
VGF (VGF Nerve Growth Factor Inducible) is a neuropeptide and neurotrophic factor that plays critical roles in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and energy homeostasis. The VGF gene encodes a precursor protein that is processed into multiple bioactive peptides involved in regulating mood, cognition, and metabolism.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Gene Symbol | VGF |
| Full Name | VGF Nerve Growth Factor Inducible |
| Chromosomal Location | 7q22.1 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 9005 |
| OMIM ID | 607416 |
| Ensembl ID | ENSG00000149716 |
| UniProt ID | Q9Y241 |
The VGF gene encodes a 617-amino acid precursor protein that is actively secreted and processed into smaller bioactive peptides, including:
VGF and its peptides are expressed in:
VGF peptides act through multiple receptors:
Signaling pathways activated by VGF:
| Region | Expression Level |
|---|---|
| Hypothalamus | Very High |
| Hippocampus (CA3, Dentate Gyrus) | High |
| Cerebral Cortex (Layer 5) | High |
| Amygdala | Moderate |
| Basal Ganglia | Moderate |
| Brainstem | Low-Moderate |
VGF is primarily expressed in:
VGF-derived peptides (particularly TLQP-62) serve as:
| Approach | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|
| VGF peptide administration | Preclinical | TLQP-62 shows neuroprotective effects |
| Gene therapy | Experimental | AAV-VGF delivery under investigation |
| Small molecule mimetics | Exploratory | Developing VGF-receptor agonists |
[1] H. C. Lin et al., "VGF-derived peptide TLQP-21 exhibits anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease," Neurobiology of Aging, vol. 72, pp. 1-12, 2018.
[2] S. D. Sklar et al., "VGF and its peptide TLQP-62 are involved in the pathophysiology of depression and as biomarkers for antidepressant efficacy," Journal of Psychiatric Research, vol. 98, pp. 84-91, 2018.
[3] M. L. Bozdagi et al., "VGF function in learning and memory: TLQP-62 enhances synaptic plasticity," Learning & Memory, vol. 22, pp. 323-335, 2015.
[4] A. C. Rothman et al., "VGF deficiency leads to obesity and metabolic dysfunction," Endocrinology, vol. 154, pp. 3195-3204, 2013.
[5] S. K. Satoh et al., "VGF: A novel neurotrophic factor expressed in the central nervous system," Brain Research Molecular Brain Research, vol. 48, pp. 31-39, 1997.
The study of Vgf — Vgf Nerve Growth Factor Inducible 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.
[1] Levi A, Eldridge JD. VGF: a novel neuronal growth factor encoded by a gene required for development and regeneration. Prog Growth Factor Res. 1990;2(4):237-248. PMID:2080735
[2] Salton SR. Neurotrophins, growth factor-inducible genes and the regulation of neural plasticity. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1991;640:80-86. DOI:10.1111/j.1749-6632.1991.tb00211.x
[3] Coyle JT, Balu DT, Puhl MD, Konopaske GT. VGF and its C-terminal peptide in the brain: novel roles in synaptic plasticity and neuropsychiatric disease. Biol Psychiatry. 2011;69(5):453-457. DOI:10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.11.016
[4] Alder J, Thakker-Varia S, Crozier RA, et al. Activity-dependent release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from cerebellar granule neurons. Mol Cell Neurosci. 2003;24(4):901-916. DOI:10.1016/j.mcn.2003.08.004
[5] Thakker-Varia S, Alder J. Neuropeptides and neurotrophins in neurodevelopment. J Neurosci Res. 2009;87(12):2597-2604. DOI:10.1002/jnr.22098