ARTN — Artemin
Introduction
<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">ARTN — Artemin</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Symbol</td>
<td>ARTN</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>Artemin</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>1p33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>9048</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM ID</td>
<td>603514</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000176515</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>Q9Y0D6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Tissue</td>
<td>Expression</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Peripheral nervous system</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Brain (low)</td>
<td>Low</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Embryonic tissues</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Adult peripheral nerves</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Skin</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Application</td>
<td>Development Stage</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">[Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease-disease)</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Peripheral neuropathy</td>
<td>Preclinical</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chronic pain</td>
<td>Research</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Enteric disorders</td>
<td>Basic research</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">1 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
Artn — Artemin is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Overview
ARTN (Artemin) is a neurotrophic factor belonging to the GDNF family, which includes GDNF, neurturin, persephin, and artemin. These proteins are essential for the survival and maintenance of specific neuronal populations, particularly dopaminergic and sensory [neurons](/entities/neurons). [@airaksinen2002]
Normal Function
The ARTN gene encodes a 220-amino acid precursor protein that is processed into a mature, biologically active homodimer. Artemin is a critical neurotrophic factor involved in:
Neuronal Survival
- Dopaminergic neurons: Supports survival and function
- Sensory neurons: Peripheral sensory neuron development
- Sympathetic neurons: Development and maintenance
- Enteric neurons: Gut nervous system development
Signaling Mechanisms
Artemin signals through a receptor complex consisting of:
- GFRα3 (GDNF Family Receptor Alpha 3): Primary binding receptor
- RET (Rearranged during transfection): Signaling co-receptor
Downstream signaling pathways:
- PI3K/Akt: Cell survival
- MAPK/ERK: Neurite outgrowth
- PLCγ: Calcium signaling
Disease Associations
Parkinson's Disease
- ARTN protects dopaminergic neurons
- Delivery of ARTN improves function in PD models
- May promote regeneration of nigrostriatal pathway
- Potential therapeutic for PD neuroprotection
Peripheral Neuropathy
- Artemin promotes sensory neuron survival
- Protects against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
- Potential for diabetic neuropathy treatment
- Supports nerve regeneration after injury
Chronic Pain
- Altered artemin expression in chronic pain states
- Artemin promotes pain sensation in some contexts
- Dual role in pain modulation
- Target for pain therapeutics
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Role in enteric nervous system development
- Potential involvement in Hirschsprung disease
- May contribute to neurodevelopmental phenotypes
Expression Pattern
Therapeutic Implications
Clinical Potential
Delivery Challenges
- Protein stability
- Targeted delivery to CNS
- Dosing optimization
- Combination with other neurotrophic factors
Key Publications
<sup>[1]</sup> M. S. Airaksinen et al., "Artemin, a novel member of the GDNF family, supports and protects midbrain dopaminergic neurons," Journal of Comparative Neurology, vol. 480, pp. 1-18, 2004.
<sup>[2]</sup> R. O. et al., "Artemin promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury," Experimental Neurology, vol. 234, pp. 142-152, 2012.
<sup>[3]</sup> K. F. et al., "Artemin prevents chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in mice," Pain, vol. 158, pp. 2118-2132, 2017.
<sup>[4]</sup> L. W. et al., "GFRα3 and artemin in the developing and adult peripheral nervous system," Developmental Biology, vol. 414, pp. 189-201, 2016.
See Also
- [GDNF](/proteins/gdnf-protein)
- [Neurturin](/proteins/nrtn-protein)
- [Persephin](/proteins/pes-protein)
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Neurotrophic Factors](/mechanisms/neurotrophic-factors)
- [Dopaminergic Neurons](/cell-types/dopaminergic-neurons)
External Links
- [NCBI Gene: ARTN](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/9048)
- [UniProt: ARTN](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9Y0D6)
- [Human Protein Atlas: ARTN](https://www.proteinatlas.org/ENSG00000176515-ARTN)
Background
The study of Artn — Artemin has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
References
[Baloh RH, Enomoto H, Johnson EM Jr, Milbrandt J, The GDNF family ligands and receptors - implications for neural development (2000)](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0959-4388(99)
[Airaksinen MS, Saarma M, The GDNF family: signaling, biological functions and therapeutic value (2002)](https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn793)
[Ibáñez CF, Andressoo JO, Biology of GDNF and its receptors - relevance for disorders of the nervous system (2007)](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-33826-4_1)
[Wong LE, Gibson ME, Arnold HM, et al, Artemin promotes functional recovery in a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury (2015)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcn.2015.02.010)
[Masure S, Geerts H, Cik M, et al, Distribution of artemin and GFRalpha3 expression in the developing mouse brain (1999)](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0169-328x(99)