Advances in the anti-ageing effects of GDF11 in blood / 中国输血杂志

ABSTRACT

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, is widely expressed in multiple species such as human, mouse, rat, horse and sheep. Moreover, GDF11 is implicated in diverse biological functions and plays an important role in regulating anterior/posterior patterning, skeletal muscle regeneration, bone formation, vascular remodeling and neurogenesis. Recent studies have revealed that GDF11 in blood reverses age-related cardiac hypertrophy, skeletal muscle dysfunction and age-related cognitive decline, suggesting the potential value of GDF11 on anti-ageing. However, some other studies questioned the effects of GDF11 on anti-ageing. Herein, we highlighted structural characteristics of GDF11, advances in effects of GDF11 on anti-ageing, and the controversies of GDF11, to provide new insights for future studies on anti-ageing.