NGF and Endogenous Regeneration: From Embryology Toward Therapies

The self-repair ability of tissues and organs in case of injury and disease is a fundamental biological mechanism and an important therapeutic target. The tissue plasticity and the presence of adult stem cell niches open a new path in the development of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments finalized to improve the intrinsic regeneration. In this context, nerve growth factor (NGF) is widely studied for its capability of driving endogenous regeneration of ectoderm-derived tissues, directly acting on the cell targets and through the regulation of the stem cell niches. In fact, this growth factor is very promising for its key role in the development and multiplicity of the cellular targets. In this chapter, we have traveled across the recent history of NGF pleiotropic role in ectodermal tissue generation and repair, from embryonic development to skin wound healing, axonal regrowth, and remyelination. The better understanding of both the biological mechanisms underlying regeneration and the physiological role of NGF in development and injury response will open new therapeutic strategies, driven by the potential applications of this growth factor as an agent for improving endogenous regeneration processes