[Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor enhances the survival and morphological differentiation of dopaminergic neurons and increases their uptake of dopamine. GDNF can rescue motor neurons from programmed cell death and death caused by axotomy. GDNF is a possible treatment for Parkinson disease because it can protect cells from the effect of the neurotoxin MPTP. GDNF is a ligand for the RET gene product and may contribute to Hirschsprung disease when mutated and combined with a mutant RET. (LocusLink) ( NCI )]
UMLS (NCI) C0207072 - Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein
- Biologically Active Substance