GDNF Family Ligands

About GDNF Family Ligands

The GDNF family of ligands (GFLs) consists of four neurotrophic factors: glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin (NRTN), artemin (ARTN), and persephin (PSPN). All GDNF family proteins are members of the TGF-β superfamily. GFL has been shown to play a role in many biological processes, including cell survival, neurite growth, cell differentiation, and cell migration. In particular, GDNF signaling promotes the survival of dopaminergic neurons.

At the cell surface of target cells, a signaling complex forms, composed of a particular GFL dimer, a receptor tyrosine kinase molecule RET, and a cell surface-bound co-receptor that is a member of the GFRα protein family. The primary ligands for the co-receptors GFRα1, GFRα2, GFRα3, and GFRα4 are GDNF, NRTN, ARTN, and PSPN, respectively. Upon initial GFL-GFRα complex formation, the complex then brings together two molecules of RET, triggering trans-autophosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues within the tyrosine kinase domain of each RET molecule. Phosphorylation of these tyrosines then initiates intracellular signal transduction processes. It has been shown that in the case of GDNF, heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans are also required to be present at the cell surface for RET-mediated GDNF signaling to occur.

Research Applications of GDNF Ligands

• Neurobiology

GDNF family ligands are involved in the development and maintenance of dopaminergic neurons, motor neurons, and other neuronal populations. Their potential therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have been extensively studied.

• Tissue Regeneration

GDNF family ligands have been implicated in promoting tissue regeneration and repair outside of the nervous system. They can support the survival and proliferation of a variety of cell types, including pancreatic beta cells, enteric neurons, and skeletal muscle cells.

• Cancer Research

Dysregulation of GDNF family ligands and their receptors has been observed in several types of cancers, including neuroblastoma, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Understanding the signaling pathways and functions of these ligands is critical for identifying potential therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.

• Drug Development

GDNF family ligands offer promising opportunities for the development of novel therapeutics. The identification and characterization of small molecules, antibodies, or peptides that mimic or modulate the activity of these ligands could lead to the discovery of innovative therapies for neurological and other diseases.

Available Resources of GDNF Ligands

Creative BioMart is a leading company specializing in life sciences research tools and services, providing researchers with a wide range of products and resources related to the GDNF family ligands (GFLs) such as GDNF, NRTN, and PSPN.

GDNF Ligands Products

Creative BioMart offers a wide variety of products related to GDNF family ligands, including but not limited to recombinant proteins, cell & tissue lysates, transfected stable cell lines, protein pre-coupled magnetic beads, chromatography reagents, and other products.

Customized Services

Creative BioMart offers customized services to meet specific research needs. Custom protein production and other services can be tailored to provide researchers with customized tools for their experiments.

Contact Information

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Reference:

1. Airaksinen M S, Saarma M. Airaksinen MS, Saarma M. The GDNF family: Signaling, biological functions, and therapeutic value. Nat Rev Neurosci 3: 383-394[J]. Nature reviews Neuroscience, 2002, 3(5):383-394.DOI:10.1038/nrn812.