Description
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a glycosylated, disulfide-bonded homodimer that is a distantly related member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily.
It potently promotes the survival of of peripheral and central neurons.
It signals through GFRα receptors, particularly GFRα1.
Neuronal subpopulations that have been shown to be affected by GDNF include motoneurons, midbrain dopaminergic neurons, Purkinje cells and sympathetic neurons