The protein encoded by this gene is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI)-linked cell surface receptor and a member of theGDNF receptor family. It forms a signaling receptor complex with RETtyrosine kinase receptor and binds thearteminligand.[6]
Inmouse models ofosteoarthritis, GFRα3 was upregulated in sensory nerves. Treating arthritic mice withmonoclonal antibodies that bind to GFRα3 prevents artemin from binding there and signaling pain. Treated mice were able to use their limbs again two hours post-treatment.[7]
Robertson NG, Khetarpal U, Gutiérrez-Espeleta GA, Bieber FR, Morton CC (September 1994). "Isolation of novel and known genes from a human fetal cochlear cDNA library using subtractive hybridization and differential screening".Genomics.23 (1):42–50.doi:10.1006/geno.1994.1457.hdl:10669/15162.PMID7829101.
