Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a neurotrophic factor that is a member of the TGF-β superfamily. GDNF is founding member of the GDNF family of ligands, which to date include GDNF, neurturin (NTN), persephin (PSP) and artemin (ART). GDNF is a glycosylated disulfide-linked homodimeric protein of approximately 15 kDa. Mature rat and human GDNF share 93% sequence homology, with strong species cross-reactivity. GDNF promotes survival of various neuronal cells in central and peripheral nervous systems and different stages of development, including motoneurons, midbrain dopaminergic neurons, Purkinje cells and sympathetic neurons. Cells known to express GDNF include Sertoli cells, type 1 astrocytes, Schwann cells, neurons, pinealocytes and skeletal muscle cells. In addition, exogenously applied GDNF has been shown to rescue damaged facial motor neurons in vivo. Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor is expressed in E. coli.

Activity: The biological activity of GDNF is measured by its ability to support survival and stimulate neurite outgrowth of cultured embryonic chick dorsal root ganglia. Activity can also be measured by its ability to bind recombinant human GFRα1/Fc.

Purity: ≥ 95% by SDS-PAGE.

M.W.: 15199

Ref.: Lin, L. F., et al. 1993. Science 260, 1130-1132

Yan, Q., et al. 1995. Nature 373, 341-344