title: [The GDNF family: from neurotrophic factors to oncogenesis].
abstract: The structure and in vivo functions of the glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs) and their high-affinity receptors are considered. These proteins play an important role in the development of the nervous system, morphogenesis of the kidneys, and in regulation of spermatogenesis. Tyrosine kinase Ret is a receptor component common for all GFLs. Its role in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Program in Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Biocenter 1, P.O. Box 56, Helsinki, FIN-00014, Finland.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Poteriaev
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saarma
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D051097:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009377:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / Q000503:physiopathology; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D051096:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000502:physiology; D013091:Spermatogenesis
chemical_list: D029721:Drosophila Proteins; C495039:GDNF protein, human; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D051097:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Receptors; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D051096:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; C416649:Ret protein, Drosophila