GDNF

GDNF (Glial cell line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) is a neurotrophic factor essential for neuronal survival, development, and differentiation, originally isolated from glial cells. GDNF exerts its effects through its receptors GFRα1 and the RET tyrosine kinase receptor, activating downstream signalling pathways to promote neuronal survival and function. It exhibits significant protective effects on dopaminergic neurons, motor neurons, and sensory neurons, making it useful for studying neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.