NRTN
Description
The NRTN (neurturin) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 19.
Neurturin (NRTN) is a protein encoded by the NRTN gene in humans. It belongs to the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family, which regulates the survival and function of neurons. NRTN's role as a growth factor places it within the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) subfamily, alongside its homologs persephin, artemin, and GDNF. It shares 42% amino acid sequence similarity with mature GDNF. NRTN is considered a trophic factor and is essential for the development and growth of neurons in the brain. Neurotrophic factors like NRTN have been investigated in clinical trials as potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease. NRTN is encoded by the NRTN gene on chromosome 19 in humans and has been shown to promote significant effects on the survival and function of developing and mature midbrain dopaminergic neurons (DA) in vitro. Direct administration of NRTN into the substantia nigra of mouse models demonstrates protection of mature DA neurons in vivo. NRTN also supports the survival of other neurons, including sympathetic and sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia. Knockout mice studies have shown that NRTN is not essential for survival. However, evidence suggests delayed growth of enteric, sensory, and parasympathetic neurons in mice lacking NRTN receptors. NRTN signaling is mediated by the activation of a multi-component receptor system consisting of the ret tyrosine kinase (RET), a cell-surface bound GDNF family receptor-α (GFRα) protein, and a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked protein.
NRTN plays a role in promoting the survival of sympathetic neurons in cell culture. It may also contribute to the development and maintenance of the central nervous system (CNS) and potentially regulate the size of non-neuronal cell populations, such as hematopoietic cells.
NRTN is also known as NTN.
