GDF-11

GDF11 Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), also known as bone morphogenetic protein 11 (BMP-11), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the growth differentiation factor 11 gene. GDF11 is a member of the Transforming growth factor beta family. GDF11 acts as a cytokine and its sequence is highly conserved in humans, mice and rats. The bone morphogenetic protein group is characterized by a polybasic proteolytic processing site, which is cleaved to produce a protein containing seven conserved cysteine residues. GDF11 is essential for mammalian development and has been suggested to regulate aging of multiple tissues. It functions in the heart, skeletal muscle, and brain. Review. GDF11 helps muscle regeneration.  One of these blood factors is growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, which has a critical role in embryonic development as a key regulator of patterning and formation of several tissues : Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily of cytokines, is a critical rejuvenation factor in aging cells. GDF11 improves neurodegenerative and neurovascular disease outcomes, increases skeletal muscle volume, and enhances muscle strength.  In the aged brain, exogenous, peripherally delivered GDF11 may enhance neurogenesis and angiogenesis, as well as improve neuropathological outcomes.  GDF11 is expressed in many tissues, including skeletal muscle, pancreas, kidney, nervous system, and retina.  The half‐life of GDF11 at these concentrations was found to be of 12 hr. Loss of myostatin function in mice, cattle, and sheep results in a dramatic increase in muscle mass With all of this as background, it was a source of surprise when a series of papers came out in 2013 and 2014, reporting first that GDF11 levels decreased as a function of age in the mouse, and that restoring GDF11 levels improved cardiac function and muscle regeneration
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Is GDF11 the Fountain of Youth?