Recombinant Human Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) (G120-GRP)

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), also known as ATF-1, is a glycosylated, disulfide-bonded homodimer and member of the TGF-β superfamily (1). It is structurally related to artemin, neurturin and persephin. GDNF potently promotes the survival of many types of neurons, most prominently, dopaminergic and motorneurons. It also regulates kidney development, spermatogenesis and it affects alcohol consumption (2). GDNF is expressed in Sertoli cells, type 1 astrocytes, Schwann cells, neurons, pinealocytes and skeletal muscle cells. It signals through a multicomponent receptor system composed of a RET oncogene and one of the four GFR-α receptors (3). GDNF protects and repairs dopamine-containing neurons, which degenerate in Parkinson's disease, and motor neurons, which die in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The use of GDNF in the treatment of Parkinson's disease has shown promise in the clinic by improving symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity and postural instability (4). Treatment of spinal cord injuries with GDNF has also produced neurological improvement.