The function of ENSG00000168621 (GDNF, glial cell derived neurotrophic factor) is as follows. Neurotrophic factor that enhances survival and morphological differentiation of dopaminergic neurons and increases their high- affinity dopamine uptake (PubMed:8493557). Acts by binding to its coreceptor, GFRA1, leading to autophosphorylation and activation of the RET receptor (PubMed:10829012, PubMed:25242331, PubMed:31535977). Involved in the development of the neural crest (PubMed:15242795). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10829012, ECO:0000269|PubMed:15242795, ECO:0000269|PubMed:25242331, ECO:0000269|PubMed:31535977, ECO:0000269|PubMed:8493557}.