NGFR

NGFR (Nerve Growth Factor Receptor), also termed p75 or CD271, is the low-affinity NGFR (LNGFR) which binds NGF and other neurotrophins, including BDNF, NT3 and NT4/5 with similar low-affinity. NGFR p75 is a 75 kD transmembrane glycoprotein that is mainly expressed in Schwann cells and neurons and in a variety of non-neuronal cells. NGFR p75 is necessary for regulating neuronal growth, migration, differentiation and cell death during development of the central and peripheral nervous system. NGFR p75 plays a central role in the regulation of cell number by apoptosis in the developing CNS. During early development, activation of NGFR p75 by NGF induces apoptotic cell death in some neuronal cells, probably through activation of the sphingomyelinase/ceramide pathway, the ICE-like proteases and the JNK pathway. CD271 has recently been described as being expressed in mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow stromal cells).

NGFR is expressed not only in sympathetic and sensory neurons, but also in various neural crest cell or tumor derivatives such as melanocytes, Melanomas, Neuroblastomas, Pheochromocytomas, Neuro“ bromas, and neurotized nevi (Type C melanocytes). It is now apparent that expression of NGFR is ubiquitous and not limited to the nervous system, being expressed in mature non-neural cells such as perivascular cells, dental pulp cells, lymphoid follicular dendritic cells, basal epithelium of oral mucosa and hair follicles, prostate basal cells and myoepithelial cells. Studies in Prostate and Urothelial Cancer suggest that NGFR may act as a tumor suppressor, negatively regulating cell growth and proliferation. NGFR labels the myoepithelial cells of breast ducts and intralobular “ broblasts of breast ducts and, thus, aids in the diagnosis of malignancy in the breast.

NGFR is a mouse monoclonal antibody derived from cell culture supernatant that is concentrated, dialyzed, filter sterilized and diluted in buffer pH 7.5, containing BSA and sodium azide as a preservative.

1. Liang Y, Johansson O, J Invest Dermatol. 1998;Jul;111(1):114-8
2. Radfar A, et al. Am J Dermatopathol. 2006;Apr;28(2):162-7

1. Cut and mount 3-4 micron formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues on positive charged slides.
2. Air dry for 2 hours at 58° C.
3. Deparaffinize, dehydrate and rehydrate tissues.
4. Subject tissues to heat epitope retrieval using a suitable retrieval solution such as ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate (BSB 0020-BSB 0023) or EDTA (BSB 0030-BSB 0033).
5. Any of three heating methods may be used:
   • Electric Pressure Cooker
     Place standoff rack at base of pressure cooker. Add 1-2 inches of distilled water to the pressure cooker and turn heat to high, and incubate for 15 minutes. Open and immediately transfer slides to room temperature.
   • Water Bath Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a water bath set at 95°-99° C. Incubate for 30-60 minutes.
   • Conventional Steamer Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a Steamer, cover and steam for 30-60 minutes.
6. After heat treatment, transfer slides in ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA to room temperature and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
7. Wash slides with IHC wash buffer or DI water.
8. Continue IHC staining protocol.