GFR alpha-2

GDNF family receptor alpha-2 (GFRA2) is also known as GDNF receptor beta, Neurturin receptor alpha, RET ligand 2, TGF-beta-related neurotrophic factor receptor 2, is a cell membrane protein which belongs to the GDNFR family. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN) are two structurally related, potent neurotrophic factors that play key roles in the control of neuron survival and differentiation. GDNF is a glycosylated, disulfide-bonded homodimer that is distantly related to the TGF-beta superfamily of growth factors. Three receptors for these factors, GFRα-1, GFRα-2 and GFRα-3 have been identified. The isoform 1 of GFRA2 is found in both brain and placenta. GFRA2 mediates the NRTN-induced autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor and also able to mediate GDNF signaling through the RET tyrosine kinase receptor. GFRA2 mediates the NRTN-induced autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor. It can also mediate GDNF signaling through the RET tyrosine kinase receptor.