Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin (NRTN), artemin (ARTN) and persephin (PSPN) constitute the GDNF family of neurotrophic factors, which belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily. The members of the GDNF family appear to play crucial roles in the development, differentiation and maintenance of various populations of vertebrate neurons. Biological actions of the GDNF family members are mediated via a multicomponent receptor complex, which consists of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked ligand-binding a-components, designated GDNF family receptor alpha (GFRa) 1 through 4, and the signal transducing receptor tyrosine kinase Ret. The most prominent feature of GDNF is its ability to support the survival of dopaminergic and motorneurons. These neuronal populations die in the course of Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). GDNF also regulates kidney development and spermatogenesis, and it affects alcohol consumption.
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