What is the GDE2? 

GDE2, also known as glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase 2 or GDPD5, is a six-transmembrane protein that cleaves the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchor, which tethers some proteins to the cell membrane. It is involved in the regulation of surface glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins and plays a role in neuronal differentiation, oligodendrocyte maturation, and the coordination of oligodendrocyte development and axonal myelination. GDE2 has neuroprotective activity and is required for the survival of spinal motor neurons. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), GDE2 functionality is disrupted, leading to motor neuron degeneration and loss. GDE2 also stimulates the cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by shedding and inactivating the inhibitor RECK, thereby promoting the generation of neuroprotective soluble APPα (sAPPα) and preventing the formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).