GDNF RECEPTORS

摘要

The present invention relates to a novel glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor beta (GDNFR- beta ) and novel glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor gamma 1 and 2 (GDNFR- gamma l and GDNFR- gamma 2). The receptors of the present invention share high homology with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor alpha and have been named GDNFR- beta , GDNFR- gamma 1 and GDNFR- gamma 2. More specifically, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding human GDNFR- beta , GDNFR- gamma 1 and GDNFR- gamma 2 receptors. GDNFR- beta , GDNFR- gamma 1 and GDNFR- gamma 2 polypeptides are also provided, as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of GDNFR- beta , GDNFR- gamma 1 and GDNFR- gamma 2 activity. Also provided are diagnostic and therapeutic methods for disorders and diseases including Parkinson's disease, thyroid tumor, kidney failure and gut dysfunction.