Gdnf
Developmental stage
First detected at 7.5 dpc, reaches its peak around 9.5 dpc and declines considerably after 10.5 dpc.
Function
Neurotrophic factor that enhances survival and morphological differentiation of dopaminergic neurons and increases their high-affinity dopamine uptake. Acts by binding to its coreceptor, GFRA1, leading to autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor. Involved in the development of the neural crest.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the TGF-beta family. GDNF subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in both the central nervous system (CNS) and in non-CNS tissues. Expressed in a highly dynamic pattern in the anterior neuroectoderm during the early stages of neurogenesis between 7.5 dpc and 10.5 dpc. Beginning at 10.5 dpc, expression begins in mesenchymal tissues of several organs including the digestive tract, kidney, testis, frontonasal mass, tooth primordium, tongue, mandible, whisker follicles, ear, eye, limb bud and in distinct regions of the brain. Also expressed in the heart, ileum, liver and muscle.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, mGDNF, Astrocyte-derived trophic factor, ATF, Gdnf