NCIt definition : Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (211 aa, 24 kDa) is encoded by the human
GDNF gene. This protein plays a role in the modulation of the survival and differentiation
of dopaminergic neurons.;
NCIt note : Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor enhances the survival and morphological differentiation
of dopaminergic neurons and increases their uptake of dopamine. GDNF can rescue motor
neurons from programmed cell death and death caused by axotomy. GDNF is a possible
treatment for Parkinson disease because it can protect cells from the effect of the
neurotoxin MPTP. GDNF is a ligand for the RET gene product and may contribute to Hirschsprung
disease when mutated and combined with a mutant RET. (LocusLink); The active form of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor is released from the
precursor after proteolytic removal of 75 N-terminal amino acids. The active form
is a secreted protein which occurs as a disulfide-linked homodimer. (UniProt);