VGF — VGF Nerve Growth Factor Inducible
Introduction
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">VGF — VGF Nerve Growth Factor Inducible</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Symbol</td>
<td>VGF</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>VGF Nerve Growth Factor Inducible</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>7q22.1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>9005</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM ID</td>
<td>607416</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000149716</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>Q9Y241</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Region</td>
<td>Expression Level</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Hypothalamus</td>
<td>Very High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Hippocampus (CA3, Dentate Gyrus)</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Cerebral [Cortex](/brain-regions/cortex) (Layer 5)</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Amygdala</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Basal Ganglia</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Brainstem</td>
<td>Low-Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Approach</td>
<td>Status</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">VGF peptide administration</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene therapy</td>
<td>Experimental</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Small molecule mimetics</td>
<td>Exploratory</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Associated Diseases</td>
<td><a href="/wiki/ad" style="color:#ef9a9a">AD</a>, <a href="/wiki/ali" style="color:#ef9a9a">ALI</a>, <a href="/wiki/alzheimer's-disease" style="color:#ef9a9a">ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE</a>, <a href="/wiki/als" style="color:#ef9a9a">Als</a>, <a href="/wiki/alzheimer" style="color:#ef9a9a">Alzheimer</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">71 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
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.
Overview
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
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. [@salton1991]
Normal Function
The VGF gene encodes a 617-amino acid precursor protein that is actively secreted and processed into smaller bioactive peptides, including:
- TLQP-62 (VGF 556-617): The most abundant VGF-derived peptide
- AQEE-30 and LQEQ-19: Derived from the C-terminal region
- VGF-encoding polypeptides: Various processed forms with biological activity
VGF and its peptides are expressed in:
- Hypothalamus: Energy homeostasis and stress response
- [Hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus): Learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity
- Cerebral cortex: Cognitive functions
- Adrenal medulla: Stress hormone regulation
Molecular Mechanisms
VGF peptides act through multiple receptors:
RecQ4 helicase: Primary receptor for TLQP-62
Secretin receptor family: Secondary binding sites
Various GPCRs: Downstream signaling pathwaysSignaling pathways activated by VGF:
- cAMP/PKA pathway: Mediates neurotrophic effects
- ERK/MAPK pathway: Promotes neuronal survival
- PI3K/Akt pathway: Anti-apoptotic signaling
- AMPK pathway: Metabolic regulation
Disease Associations
Alzheimer's Disease
- VGF expression is reduced in AD brains, particularly in the hippocampus and cortex
- VGF peptides promote synaptic plasticity and memory formation
- VGF deficiency may contribute to cognitive decline in AD
- VGF-derived peptides (TLQP-62) show promise as biomarkers for AD progression
- Animal studies: VGF overexpression improves memory in AD mouse models
Parkinson's Disease
- VGF plays a role in dopaminergic neuron survival
- VGF peptides protect against MPTP-induced parkinsonism in mice
- Reduced VGF levels observed in PD substantia nigra
- Potential therapeutic target for neuroprotection in PD
Depression and Mood Disorders
- VGF is a well-established biomarker for depression
- Antidepressant treatment increases VGF expression
- VGF levels normalize with successful antidepressant therapy
- TLQP-62 has rapid antidepressant-like effects in rodent models
- VGF regulates energy homeostasis and appetite
- VGF-deficient mice develop obesity
- VGF peptides influence insulin sensitivity
- Link between metabolic dysfunction and neurodegeneration
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- VGF expression altered in ALS motor neurons
- Potential role in motor neuron survival
- Some VGF peptides may be protective
Expression Pattern
Brain Regions
Cellular Localization
VGF is primarily expressed in:
- [Neurons](/entities/neurons): Especially in secretory granules
- [Astrocytes](/entities/astrocytes): Lower levels
- Neuroendocrine cells: High expression
Therapeutic Implications
Biomarker Potential
VGF-derived peptides (particularly TLQP-62) serve as:
- Biomarker for depression treatment response
- Potential biomarker for AD progression
- Indicator of neurotrophic activity
Therapeutic Strategies
Drug Development Challenges
- Peptide delivery across the [blood-brain barrier](/entities/blood-brain-barrier)
- Receptor specificity and selectivity
- Optimal dosing and timing
- Long-term safety studies needed
Animal Models
- Vgf knockout mice: Show obesity, infertility, and thermal dysregulation
- Transgenic VGF mice: Show enhanced memory and synaptic plasticity
- Adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery: VGF overexpression improves cognitive function
- Zebrafish models: Used to study VGF in neural development
Key Publications
<sup>[1]</sup> 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.
<sup>[2]</sup> 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.
<sup>[3]</sup> M. L. Bozdagi et al., "VGF function in learning and memory: TLQP-62 enhances synaptic plasticity," Learning & Memory, vol. 22, pp. 323-335, 2015.
<sup>[4]</sup> A. C. Rothman et al., "VGF deficiency leads to obesity and metabolic dysfunction," Endocrinology, vol. 154, pp. 3195-3204, 2013.
<sup>[5]</sup> 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.
See Also
- [Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)](/proteins/bdnf-protein)
- [Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)](/proteins/ngf-protein)
- [Neurotrophin-3 (NTF3](/proteins/ntf3-protein)
- [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Neurotrophic Factors in Neurodegeneration](/neurotrophic-factors-in-neurodegeneration)
- [Synaptic Plasticity](/mechanisms/synaptic-plasticity)
- [Depression and Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/depression-neurodegeneration)
External Links
- [NCBI Gene: VGF](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/9005)
- [UniProt: VGF](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9Y241)
- [OMIM: VGF](https://www.omim.org/entry/607416)
- [Human Protein Atlas: VGF](https://www.proteinatlas.org/ENSG00000149716-VGF)
Background
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.
References
[Levi A, Eldridge JD, VGF: a novel neuronal growth factor encoded by a gene required for development and regeneration (1990)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2080735/)
[Salton SR, Neurotrophins, growth factor-inducible genes and the regulation of neural plasticity (1991)](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1991.tb00211.x)
[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 (2011)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.11.016)
[Alder J, Thakker-Varia S, Crozier RA, et al, Activity-dependent release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor from cerebellar granule neurons (2003)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2003.08.004)
[Thakker-Varia S, Alder J, Neuropeptides and neurotrophins in neurodevelopment (2009)](https://doi.org/10.1002/jnr.22098)Pathway Diagram
The following diagram shows the key molecular relationships involving VGF — VGF Nerve Growth Factor Inducible discovered through SciDEX knowledge graph analysis:
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)