Structural studies of GDNF family ligands with their receptors-Insights into ligand recognition and activation of receptor tyrosine kinase RET

► GDNF family ligands (GFLs) activate RET, but require GFRα co-receptors. ► There is a convergent recognition mode of GFLs with GFRα co-receptors. ► RET may use its CLD1 and CLD2 domains to indirectly trap GFL-GFRα binary complex. ► A previously proposed GFL-GFRα-RET ternary complex model is discussed.