Regulation of neuromuscular synapse development by glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and neurturin.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is known for its potent effect on neuronal survival, but its role in the development and function of synapses is not well studied. Using Xenopus nerve-muscle co-cultures, we show that GDNF and its family member neurturin (NRTN) facilitate the development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Long-term application of GDNF significantly increased the total length of neurites in the motoneurons.