GDNF is a protein that plays a crucial role in the survival and development of neurons. It has been shown to prevent the death of motor neurons and promote their growth and differentiation. GDNF acts by binding to a specific receptor called RET, which is found on the surface of neurons. This binding triggers a series of signaling events inside the neuron that promote its survival and development. There are different forms of GDNF, including one that is specifically produced by astrocytes, a type of brain cell. Mutations in the gene that codes for GDNF have been linked to Hirschsprung disease, a condition that affects the development of the digestive system. GDNF is a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the survival, development, and function of neurons. It belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily and was first isolated from the rat B49 glioma cell line . GDNF is particularly known for its potent trophic effects on midbrain dopaminergic neurons, which are essential for motor control and are affected in diseases such as Parkinson’s .
GDNF is a disulfide-linked homodimeric protein, meaning it consists of two identical subunits connected by disulfide bonds. Each subunit has a molecular weight of approximately 15.1 kDa . The protein is characterized by a cysteine-knot configuration, which provides structural stability . GDNF signals through a multicomponent receptor system composed of the RET receptor tyrosine kinase and one of the four GFR-α receptors (GFR-α1 to GFR-α4) .
GDNF promotes the survival and differentiation of various types of neurons, including dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain, sensory neurons, and sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons . It has been shown to improve conditions such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability in Parkinson’s disease models . Additionally, GDNF is involved in the survival and proliferation of spermatogonial stem cells .
Recombinant GDNF from mouse is widely used in research to study its effects on neuronal cultures and its potential therapeutic applications. It has been used to stimulate primary murine cultures of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and to investigate the role of NEDL2 in GDNF/Ret signaling . GDNF’s ability to promote dopamine uptake and neuronal survival makes it a promising candidate for treating neurodegenerative diseases .