<n0:ComplexDefinition xmlns:n0="http://ncicb.nci.nih.gov/xml/owl/EVS/ComplexProperties.xsd#"><n0:def-definition>A recombinant therapeutic agent which is chemically identical to or similar to endogenous glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF is a glycosylated, disulfide-bonded homodimer distantly related member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. This agent is important in the development and maintenance of dopamine neurons, has restorative effects in a wide variety of rodent and primate models of Parkinson disease, and may have utility in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which is marked by progressive degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. (NCI04)</n0:def-definition><n0:def-source>NCI</n0:def-source></n0:ComplexDefinition>