Neurturin

Neurturin (NRTN) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NRTN gene. It is a member of the GDNF family of ligands (GFLs) and is a potent survival factor for central nervous system (CNS) neurons.

Function

Neurturin is a neurotrophic factor which is closely related to both glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and artemin. It signals through a multicomponent receptor system, composed of RET and one of four GFR alpha receptors.

Clinical significance

Neurturin has been shown to promote the survival of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost in Parkinson's disease. As such, it has been investigated as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease.

External links

• Neurturin at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.