| 背景信息 |
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent neurotrophic factor that plays a critical role in the survival, development, and maintenance of neurons, particularly midbrain dopaminergic neurons. GDNF is initially synthesized as a precursor protein and undergoes proteolytic processing to form its active homodimeric structure, which consists of two 15 kDa monomers linked by disulfide bonds. It signals through the receptor tyrosine kinase RET, with the assistance of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored co-receptors (GFRα1), leading to activation of intracellular pathways that promote neuronal health and survival. Dysregulation of GDNF has been implicated in several diseases, most notably Parkinson's disease, where reduced GDNF levels contribute to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Additionally, mutations in the GDNF gene have been associated with Hirschsprung disease, a condition characterized by intestinal motility issues. |