Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is one of the most important factors participating in the neuronal survival as well as promoting the differentiation and maintenance of various cellular populations in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In contrast to other neurotrophic factors, GDNF does not directly bind to its receptor. For the implementation of GDNF biological functions, the presence of coreceptor, acting as a mediator in the interaction with the receptor, is necessary required. Receptor with tyrosine kinase activity (Ret) regarded as the main receptor to GDNF, able to subsequent launch an intracellular molecular cascade. Particular attention to GDNF investigation caused by the fact that, among other neurotrophic factors GDNF has potent neuroprotective effect. Therefore, GDNF is considered as a possible factor for the correction of various nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. In this review basic information concerning the molecular structure of GDNF and its receptors as well as the mechanisms for implementation the main functions of GDNF from the beginning of active receptor complex formation to the subsequent launching of intracellular signaling cascades until appropriate cellular response achieving, is collected. Furthermore, the review contains the data, indicating the possible GDNF effect on synaptogenesis. © 2015, Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy. All rights reserved.