Neuron derived neurotrophic factor



Neuron derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF) is a secreted protein that, in humans, is located on chromosome 4. This protein helps in the growth, survival, migration, and differentiation of neurons. To assist with migration, NDNF shows neuro-repulsive effects on GnRH neurons. Loss of function (LoF) in the NDNF gene has been shown to be a cause of a disease known as congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which can have associated cleft lip and cleft palate. A preliminary study has shown that knock-down of ndnf reduces development of the ethmoid plate, which is homologous to the human palate.