Primary Identifier | IPR003503 | Type | Family |
Short Name | GDNF_rcpt_A1 |
description | Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its related factorsneurturin (NTN), artemin (ART) and persephin (PSP), are members of the GDNFfamily of neurotrophic factors. They form a sub-group in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. These factors are involved inthe promotion of neurone survival, exerting their effects through specific receptors.The GDNF family receptors (GFRs) are glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-linked,cell surface receptors []. Four receptor subtypes, termed GFRalpha-1 to 4, are currently recognised. Homologues for the GFRalpha-1 receptor subtype have been cloned from mammalian and avian tissue. The receptor is activated by GDNF [], although there is evidence it can also bind neurturin, the principal ligand for GFRalpha-2 [].Activation of GFRalpha-1 triggers its interaction with the membrane-bound receptor kinase Ret. This induces Ret homo-dimerisation, triggering a cascade of intracellular signalling events such as the activation of the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and phospholipase C gamma (PLC gamma) dependent pathways []. |