Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor

Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor, also known as GDNF, is a small protein that potently promotes the survival of many types of neurons

Functions
The most prominent feature of GDNF is its ability to support the survival of dopaminergic and motorneurons.

These neuronal populations die in the course of Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) respectively. GDNF also regulates kidney development and spermatogenesis.

GDNF family of ligands (GFL)
GDNF is a founding member of the GDNF family of ligands (GFL).