Nrtn - neurturin

This gene encodes a secreted ligand of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protein. This protein signals through the RET receptor tyrosine kinase and a GPI-linked coreceptor, and promotes survival of neuronal populations. Homozygous knockout mice for this gene exhibit defects in the development of the retina and enteric nervous system, and reduced cholinergic innervation of the heart and lacrimal glands. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2016]