簡要描述：This gene encodes a secreted ligand of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) subfamily and TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily of proteins. Ligands of this family bind various TGF-beta receptors leading to recruitment and activation of SMAD family transcription factors that regulate gene expression. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate each subunit of the disulfide-linked homodimer. This protein signals through the RET receptor