GDNF Rat
Description
Product Specs
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the survival and development of nerve cells. GDNF promotes the growth and survival of various types of neurons, including motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling muscle movement. GDNF has been shown to protect motor neurons from cell death (apoptosis) caused by injury or disease. It achieves this by binding to a specific receptor called RET, which triggers signaling pathways that promote cell survival and differentiation. GDNF is produced as an inactive precursor protein that undergoes processing to become a mature, secreted protein. The mature GDNF protein forms a dimer, consisting of two identical molecules. Apart from the main GDNF transcript, alternative transcripts encoding related proteins known as astrocyte-derived trophic factors have also been identified. Mutations in the GDNF gene have been linked to Hirschsprung disease, a disorder characterized by the absence of nerve cells in the colon.
Reconstitute the lyophilized Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor in sterile 18MΩ-cm H2O at a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. It can then be further diluted in other aqueous solutions.
Lyophilized Glial-derived Neurotrophic Factor, though stable at room temperature for 3 weeks, is best stored desiccated at temperatures below -18°C. Upon reconstitution, GDNF can be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days and for extended periods, below -18°C. To enhance long-term storage, adding a carrier protein (0.1% HSA or BSA) is advisable. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Product Science Overview
Glial-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the survival, development, and function of neurons. It is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily and was first isolated from the rat B49 glioma cell line . GDNF is known for its potent trophic effects on various types of neurons, including dopaminergic neurons, sensory neurons, and motor neurons .
GDNF was initially discovered in the early 1990s by Lin et al. during their research on midbrain dopaminergic neurons . The protein was isolated based on its ability to promote the survival of these neurons in vitro. Subsequent studies revealed that GDNF also supports the survival and maintenance of other neuron populations, including sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons .
GDNF exerts its effects by binding to a receptor complex composed of GFRα1 (GDNF family receptor alpha 1) and the RET tyrosine kinase receptor . This binding activates intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival, differentiation, and growth. The primary signaling pathways involved include the MAPK/ERK pathway, the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the PLCγ pathway .
GDNF has several important biological functions:
- Neuronal Survival: GDNF is essential for the survival of various types of neurons, particularly dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which are critical for motor control .
- Axonal Growth and Guidance: GDNF promotes the growth and guidance of axons, which are the long projections of neurons that transmit electrical signals .
- Synaptic Plasticity: GDNF enhances synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses (the connections between neurons) to strengthen or weaken over time in response to activity .
- Myelination: GDNF has been shown to promote the myelination of unmyelinated axons in the peripheral nervous system .
Due to its neuroprotective properties, GDNF has been investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Preclinical studies have shown that GDNF can protect dopaminergic neurons from degeneration and improve motor function in animal models of Parkinson’s disease . Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GDNF in human patients.
