Beta-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) is a trophic factor in the nervous system. We aimed to isolate and characterize this protein in view of its potential therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases. For purification a two-step ion-exchange procedure was followed. The characterization was performed using separation and immunological techniques, as well as a biological assay. These studies showed that the obtained protein consisted of a mixture of β-NGF molecules, intact at their NH2-terminal extreme, and molecules which have lost the NH2-terminal octapeptide and exhibit modifications increasing its hydrophobicity. All these molecular species were recognized immunologically and showed biological activity.
