This gene encodes a transmembrane protein that functions as the receptor for glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The encoded protein undergoes proteolytic processing to generate a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface coreceptor that forms a complex with the Ret tyrosine kinase in GDNF signaling pathway. Mice lacking the encoded protein exhibit deficits in the kidneys, the enteric nervous system, and spinal motor and sensory neurons similar mice deficient in GDNF or Ret. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2016]