Persephin has been found to be less potent than other members of the GDNF family. It has been found to support the survival and morphological differentiation of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons, although less so than both GDNF and neurturin. The mRNA levels of persephin in developing neurons has been low compared to other neurotrophic factors, but relatively higher levels of persephin mRNA have been found in embryonic neurons.
