Since a progressive increase of MASH-1 expression in grade 1 vs. grade 2–4 astrocytoma has been associated with astrocytoma prognosis [45, 46], our observations suggest a potential role of the transcription factor MASH-1 in the pro-differentiating effect of NGF through the engagement of TrkA, which can potentially contribute to antagonize astrocytoma progression [54]. The gene discussed is NGF; the disease is astrocytoma (excluding glioblastoma).