VGF
Description
The VGF (VGF nerve growth factor inducible) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7.
VGF is a secreted protein and neuropeptide precursor that plays a role in regulating energy homeostasis, metabolism, and synaptic plasticity. It is encoded by the VGF gene and is processed into polypeptides with various functions, including the regulation of appetite, inflammation, depression-like behaviors, and memory. VGF is expressed in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems and endocrine cells in the adenohypophysis, adrenal medulla, gastrointestinal tract, and pancreas. Its expression is induced by NGF, CREB, and BDNF and regulated by neurotrophin-3. Physical exercise increases VGF expression in the hippocampus. Changes in VGF fragment expression have been observed in neurological and psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
VGF is a secreted polyprotein that undergoes processing by prohormone convertases PCSK1 and PCSK2 in a cell-type-specific manner. VGF and its derived peptides play a role in neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, learning, memory, depression, and chronic pain.
VGF is also known as SCG7, SgVII.
Associated Diseases
- glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism
- major depressive disorder
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase deficiency
- pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease, primary, 3
- familial hyperaldosteronism
- familial hyperaldosteronism type II
- classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency
- coronary artery disease, autosomal dominant 2
- congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 17-alpha-hydroxylase deficiency
- glucocorticoid resistance
