What is "neurturin"

Neurturin (NRTN) is a protein. Neurturin belongs to the glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor ( GDNF) family of neurotrophic factors, which regulate the survival and function of neurons. Neurturin’s role as a growth factor places it in the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor) subfamily along with its homologs persephin, artemin, and GDNF. It is also considered a trophic factor and critical in the development and growth of neurons in the brain. Neurotrophic factors like neurturin have been tested in several clinical trial setting for the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, specifically Parkinsons Disease.