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Effects of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) on neurological systems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer progression

LIU Dong-Dong, MEI Yan-Ai^*

School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China

Abstract

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily. GDF-15 expression is dramatically upregulated during acute brain injury, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation, suggesting its potential value as a disease biomarker. It has been suggested that GDF-15 has neurotropic effects in the nervous system. Our studies showed that GDF-15 modulated the expression of neuronal K+ and Ca2+ ion channels and increased the release of excitatory transmitter in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice. GDF-15 is also involved in the complex modulation of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Here, we reviewed studies involving the modulation of GDF-15 expression and its mechanisms, the primary pathological and physiological functions of GDF-15 in neurological and cardiovascular systems, and its role in cancer progression. The biological effects and the values of GDF-15 in basic research and clinical applications were also addressed.

Key words: growth differentiation factor-15; signaling pathway; nervous system ; cancer ; cardiovascular system

Received: 2016-07-11　　Accepted: 2016-10-09

Corresponding author: 梅岩艾　　E-mail: yamei@fudan.edu.cn

Citing This Article：

LIU Dong-Dong, MEI Yan-Ai. Effects of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) on neurological systems, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer progression. Acta Physiol Sin 2017; 69 (1): 109-121 (in Chinese with English abstract).