Heparin-Binding Neurotrophic Factor

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein

**Definition:** Heparin-Binding Neurotrophic Factors are a family of polypeptide growth factors produced by peripheral target tissues, as well as the nervous system, that block apoptosis and promote neuronal growth, regeneration, survival, and differentiation. Many growth factors appear to temporarily and non-covalently interact with the glycosaminoglycan heparin, which may affect growth factor activity.

**Synonyms:** - Heparin Binding Neurotrophic Factor