Gdnf
Function
Neurotrophic factor that enhances survival and morphological differentiation of dopaminergic neurons and increases their high-affinity dopamine uptake (PubMed:10828539). Acts by binding to its coreceptor, GFRA1, leading to autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor (By similarity). May also modulate local neuronal effects in distal regions of the motor neuron (PubMed:10828539). Involved in the development of the neural crest (By similarity).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the TGF-beta family. GDNF subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in both the central nervous system (CNS) and in non-CNS tissues, including the kidney, lung, bone, heart, liver, spleen, sciatic nerve and blood (PubMed:7696586). Expressed in brain (at protein level) (PubMed:21994944). Localizes at the proximal ligature of the hypoglossal nerve (PubMed:10828539).
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, Astrocyte-derived trophic factor, ATF, Gdnf