GDNF
GeneName
GDNF
Summary
GDNF, also known as glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor or ATF, is a 24kDa secreted protein that plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. It is primarily expressed in the extracellular region and is involved in various biological processes, including neuronal survival, differentiation, and axon guidance. GDNF exerts its effects by binding to specific receptors, activating signalling pathways that promote cell growth and survival. It is particularly important for the development of the enteric and peripheral nervous systems, and it has been implicated in the morphogenesis of the metanephros and ureteric bud. Additionally, GDNF is involved in the negative regulation of apoptotic processes, thereby supporting neuronal health and function.
Importance
GDNF is relevant to: - Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, due to its role in promoting the survival of dopaminergic neurons. - Regenerative medicine, as it has potential therapeutic applications in nerve injury and repair. - Developmental biology, particularly in studies related to organogenesis and nervous system development. - Understanding synaptic transmission and plasticity, given its involvement in dopamine regulation and neuronal differentiation.
Top Products
For researchers investigating GDNF, we highly recommend the top-selling recombinant antibody, Anti-GDNF antibody [EPR2714(N)] (ab176564). This antibody has been validated for use in Western blotting (WB) and flow cytometry (FC), making it a versatile tool for various experimental setups. With 25 citations, it has garnered attention in the research community, reflecting its reliability and effectiveness in GDNF studies. This recombinant antibody ensures batch-to-batch consistency, providing confidence in your experimental results. The Recombinant human GDNF protein (Active) ELISA Kit (ab259417) is an excellent option for researchers looking to measure GDNF levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that the GDNF antibody (ab176564) has been effectively used in various applications, including Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, specifically in studies involving adipose-derived stem cells in rat tissue. This suggests a focus on the role of GDNF in regenerative medicine and tissue transplantation.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Neurotrophic factor that enhances survival and morphological differentiation of dopaminergic neurons and increases their high-affinity dopamine uptake (PubMed:8493557). Acts by binding to its coreceptor, GFRA1, leading to autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor (PubMed:10829012, PubMed:25242331, PubMed:31535977). Involved in the development of the neural crest (PubMed:15242795).
Involvement in disease
Hirschsprung disease 3
HSCR3
A disorder of neural crest development characterized by absence of enteric ganglia along a variable length of the intestine. It is the most common cause of congenital intestinal obstruction. Early symptoms range from complete acute neonatal obstruction, characterized by vomiting, abdominal distention and failure to pass stool, to chronic constipation in the older child.
None
Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Pheochromocytoma
PCC
A catecholamine-producing tumor of chromaffin tissue of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic paraganglia. The cardinal symptom, reflecting the increased secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine, is hypertension, which may be persistent or intermittent.
None
The gene represented in this entry may act as a disease modifier.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the TGF-beta family. GDNF subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
In the brain, predominantly expressed in the striatum with highest levels in the caudate and lowest in the putamen. Isoform 2 is absent from most tissues except for low levels in intestine and kidney. Highest expression of isoform 3 is found in pancreatic islets. Isoform 5 is expressed at very low levels in putamen, nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus and intestine. Isoform 3 is up-regulated in the middle temporal gyrus of Alzheimer disease patients while isoform 2 shows no change.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, hGDNF, Astrocyte-derived trophic factor, ATF, GDNF