GFR-alpha-1

GFRα-1 (GFRA1) is the GPI-anchored co-receptor that confers high-affinity binding of GDNF and, to a lesser extent, neurturin. Lacking transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions, it presents ligand to the RET receptor tyrosine kinase, which then activates RAS-MAPK and PI3K-AKT survival signaling. GFRA1 is expressed in enteric neuron precursors, kidney, testis and subsets of central and peripheral neurons; Gfra1-null mice phenocopy Ret knockouts, showing aganglionic megacolon and kidney agenesis. Variants near GFRA1 have been associated with Hirschsprung disease. Recombinant GFRα-1 is used to measure GDNF-family ligand binding, in RET co-receptor studies and neutralizing antibody development.