Genentech, Product: other research news

GDNF is a potent survival factor for central and peripheral neurons, and is essential for the development of kidneys and the enteric nervous system. However, its mechanism of action has been unknown.

GNE researchers and colleagues showed in Nature that physiological responses to GDNF require the presence of a glycosyl-phosphatidyl inositol (GPI)-linked protein, designated GDNFR-alpha, that is expressed in GDNF-responsive cells and binds GDNF with high affinity. The researchers also showed that GDNF promotes the formation of a physical complex between GDNFR-alpha and the orphan tyrosine kinase receptor Ret, which recently has been shown to be a receptor for GDNF (see BioCentury July 1). ...