Intracellular Signaling-Induced Ret-Independent Gdnf Receptor-Effected Morphological Changes

摘要

The invention provides methods for identifying modulators of RETindependent, GDNF effected intracellular signaling. The invention further provides methods of identifying useful modulators of RET-independent GDNF receptoreffected MET activation, as well as modulators of morphological responses which are effected by nonRET GDNF receptor-effected intracellular signaling. Methods of distinguishing RET-independent GDNF ligand-mediated intracellular signaling by different cellular GDNF receptors from RET-dependent intracellular signaling are provided. The methods of the invention also provide an understanding of the complex interrelationships between RET, MET, GFRa in response to GDNF ligands.