Abstract: The invention provides methods for identifying modulators of RETindependent, GDNF effected intracellular signaling. The invention further provides methods of identifying useful modulators of RET-independent GDNF receptoreffected MET activation, as well as modulators of morphological responses which are effected by nonRET GDNF receptor-effected intracellular signaling. Methods of distinguishing RET-independent GDNF ligand-mediated intracellular signaling by different cellular GDNF receptors from RET-dependent intracellular signaling are provided. The methods of the invention also provide an understanding of the complex interrelationships between RET, MET, GFRa in response to GDNF ligands.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified and isolated nucleic acid encoding a camello protein. The present invention also provides a vector comprising nucleic acid encoding camello, a host cell transformed with the vector, and a method for producing recombinant camello protein. In addition, the present invention also provides a purified camello protein. Also provided by the present invention is nucleic acid probes and mixtures thereof specific for camello nucleic acid and antibodies immunoreactive with camello. The present invention also provides a methods for screening for agents which bind to the camello protein and the nucleic acid encoding the camello. Finally, the present invention provides a non-human, transgenic model for camello expression.