Description
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha-2, also known as GFRA2, is the cognate co-receptor for the neurotrophic factor neurturin that is selectively expressed by isolectin B(4) (IB 4)-binding nociceptive sensory neurons. GFRA2 is required for the development of the myenteric nerve plexus and is an excellent candidate gene for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). GFRalpha2 signaling is also needed for development of the parasympathetic islet innervation that is critical for vagally induced hormone secretion