GDNF family receptor alpha-4 (GFR-alpha-4, persephin receptor, GFRA4)

Function

• receptor for persephin
• mediates the GDNF-induced autophosphorylation & activation of the RET receptor
• may be important in C-cell development &, in the postnatal development of the adrenal medulla

Structure

belongs to the GDNFR family

Compartment

• isoforms GFRalpha4a & GFRalpha4b: cell membrane, GPI-anchor
• isoform GFRalpha4c: secreted

Alternative splicing

• named isoforms=3
• additional isoforms seem to exist

Expression

• predominantly expressed in the adult thyroid
• low levels also found in fetal adrenal & thyroid glands

More general terms

• glypiated protein
• cell surface receptor

Database

• UniProt: http://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9GZZ7.html