GDNF exerts its effects through binding to a receptor complex composed of the GDNF family receptor alpha (GFRα) and the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase RET. Upon binding to GFRα, GDNF induces the dimerization and autophosphorylation of RET, initiating a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways, including the MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, and PLCγ pathways. These pathways collectively mediate the survival, growth, and differentiation effects of GDNF on neurons.
