The glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and its receptors have been widely characterized as neuronal survival factors and as essential molecular players for proliferation, migration and differentiation of a variety of neuronal cells. However, they are still expressed in the adult brain, where the function of this signaling system remains yet unexplored. We use the Cre/LoxP system and viral-mediated strategies to analyze the behavioral, anatomical and molecular alterations induced by the specific deletion of the expression of GDNF and its receptors in different cell types and structures of the adult brain. The project will give the student the opportunity to learn the most common techniques used in molecular biology, as RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, western-blot or confocal imaging.