Pascale Durbec

TL;DR: It is shown that glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)7, a distant member of the transforming growth factor(TGF)-β superfamily, signals through the Ret RTK, and that GDNF, in addition to its potential role in the differentiation and survival of central nervous system neurons8–12, has profound effects on kidney organogenesis and the development of the peripheral nervous system.

TL;DR: In situ hybridization studies, as well as direct labelling of cells with DiI, indicate that a common pool of neural crest cells derived from the postotic hindbrain normally gives rise to most of the enteric nervous system and the superior cervical ganglion, and is uniquely dependent on c-ret function for normal development.

TL;DR: It is suggested that normal function of the RET RTK is required in vivo during early stages of ENS histogenesis for the survival of undifferentiated enteric NC and their derivatives.

TL;DR: A number of assays are developed and briefly described here that analyze the specific function of the RET receptor and its ligand and suggest that the RET signal transduction pathway has multiple roles in the development of the mammalian ENS.

TL;DR: A number of assays are developed and briefly described here that analyze the specific function of the RET receptor and its ligand and suggest that the RET signal transduction pathway has multiple roles in the development of the mammalian ENS.