GDNF HUMAN

General description

Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a disulfide-linked homodimeric neurotrophic factor structurally related to Artemin, Neurturin and Persephin. These proteins belong to the cysteine-knot superfamily of growth factors that assume stable dimeric protein structures. The gene encoding this protein is localized on human chromosome 5p13.2. The functional human GDNF ligand is a disulfide-linked homodimer, of two 15kDa polypeptide chains called monomers. Each monomer contains seven conserved cysteine residues, one of which (Cys 101) is used for inter-chain disulfide bridging and the others are involved in intramolecular ring formation known as the cysteine knot configuration.

Application

Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been used as a supplement in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) culture medium to study the effect of growth factors on neuron viability, neurite outgrowth and arborisation. (3)

Biochem/physiol Actions

Glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signals through a multicomponent receptor system, composed of a RET and one of the four GFR-α (α1-4) receptors. GDNF specifically promotes dopamine uptake and survival and morphological differentiation of midbrain neurons. Using Parkinson′s disease mouse model, GDNF has been shown to improve conditions such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability.

Physical form

Lyophilized from 10 mM Sodium Citrate + 50 mM NaCl.

Reconstitution

Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Reconstitute in water to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/ml. Do not vortex. This solution can be stored at 2-8°C for up to 1 week. For extended storage, it is recommended to further dilute in a buffer containing a carrier protein (example 0.1% BSA) and store in working aliquots at -20°C to -80°C.