illustration (IMAGE) UT Southwestern Medical Center Caption A UTSW study finds that cells called pericytes (green), which wrap around the outside of blood vessels, secrete nerve growth factor (NGF) to simulate elongation of nerves into soft tissue injury. That process is associated with abnormal bone growth during healing. Deletion of NGF or its receptor (TrkA) reduces aberrant nerve growth. Credit UT Southwestern Medical Center Usage Restrictions none License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.