| Primary Identifier | IPR003438 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | GDNF_rcpt |
| 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. GFRalpha-1 and 2 are activated by GDNF and NTN respectively, although some degree of ligand promiscuity is thought to occur []. Homologues for these receptor subtypes have been cloned from mammalian and avian tissue. The principal ligand for GFRalpha-3 is artemin. This receptor subtype is currently described only in mammals []. GFRalpha-4 is activated by persephin and has so far only been found in chicken []. This entry is general for types 1 to 3.Activation of GFR family members triggers their 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 []. |
