MANF, also known as ARMET, was initially identified as a protein containing an arginine-rich region that was highly mutated in a variety of tumors.  More recently it was identified as a mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor with selectivity for dopaminergic neurons, similar to glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and CDNF.  In rat brain slices, MANF enhanced nigral gamma-aminobutyric acid release.  Like GDNF and CDNF, MANF has selective neuroprotective activity for dopaminergic neurons suggesting that it may be indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.  Expression of MANF has also been shown to be induced during ER stress, suggesting that it may play a role in protein quality control during ER stress.    This antibody does not cross-react with CDNF.