GDF-11
Growth Differentiation Factor 11
A circulating TGF-beta family factor at the center of young-blood rejuvenation research, with contested and preliminary evidence.
Overview
GDF-11 is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily that drew intense interest after parabiosis studies suggested young blood could rejuvenate heart, brain, and muscle in aged mice. Follow-up work produced conflicting results, partly due to confusion with the closely related myostatin (GDF-8). The field remains unsettled, and there is no approved GDF-11 therapy.
Mechanism of action
Signals through activin receptors; effects on aged tissue appear dose-dependent, with rejuvenation reported at physiological levels and muscle wasting at high doses.
Key studies & citations
- Animal2013
Growth differentiation factor 11 is a circulating factor that reverses age-related cardiac hypertrophy
Heterochronic parabiosis regressed cardiac hypertrophy in old mice; GDF11 was identified as a young-blood factor that declines with age, and restoring it reversed hypertrophy.
Cell - Animal2014
Restoring systemic GDF11 levels reverses age-related dysfunction in mouse skeletal muscle
Recombinant GDF11 restored satellite-cell function, muscle structure, strength and endurance in aged mice.
Science - Animal2015
GDF11 increases with age and inhibits skeletal muscle regeneration
Failed to reproduce the rejuvenation claims: earlier assays cross-reacted with myostatin, GDF11 trended upward with age, and GDF11 inhibited muscle regeneration in mice.
Cell Metabolism
Frequently asked questions
Is GDF-11 a proven anti-aging treatment?
No. The evidence is preliminary and contested, and there is no approved GDF-11 therapy.