– GDNF family receptor alpha-2 is a glycosylphosphatidylinosito l (GPI)-linked cell surface receptor. It is part of the GDNF receptor family. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin (NTN) are two structurally related, potent neurotrophic factors that play key roles in the control of neuron survival and differentiation. GFRA2 mediates the NRTN-induced autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor. It also able to mediate GDNF signaling through the RET tyrosine kinase receptor. It acts preferentially as a receptor for NTN compared to its other family member, GDNF family receptor alpha 1.