Human GFRAL Stable Cell Line - SK-N-AS

The GFRAL gene (GDNF family receptor alpha like) is located on human chromosome 6p12.1 and encodes a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored receptor protein that functions as the canonical receptor for growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). GFRAL is predominantly expressed in the brainstem and plays a critical role in energy homeostasis, body weight regulation, and appetite control. Upon GDF15 binding, GFRAL recruits the RET tyrosine kinase coreceptor and activates downstream signaling cascades including the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, which mediate the anorectic and metabolic effects of GDF15. The Human GFRAL Stable Cell Line - SK-N-AS is generated by transfecting the human SK-N-AS neuroblastoma cell line with a full-length human GFRAL expression construct, followed by antibiotic selection to establish stable clones that constitutively express GFRAL on the cell surface. This cell line provides a reliable and reproducible in vitro model for investigating GFRAL-mediated signaling, GDF15 binding affinity, and receptor activation mechanisms.

This stable cell line serves as a valuable tool for a wide range of research applications. It is particularly useful for high-throughput screening of small molecule compounds, antibodies, or therapeutic peptides that modulate GFRAL activity, either as agonists or antagonists. Researchers can use this cell line to study the GDF15-GFRAL signaling axis in the context of metabolic disorders such as obesity, cachexia, and type 2 diabetes, where GFRAL has emerged as a promising drug target. The line can also be employed for ligand-receptor binding assays, internalization studies, and downstream signaling analysis, including phosphorylation of ERK, AKT, and other pathway effectors. Additionally, it supports the development and characterization of GFRAL-targeting biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins, aimed at treating conditions like cancer cachexia or metabolic syndrome.