The role
of GDF-15
Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is secreted at elevated levels in response to stresses including inflammation, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chemotherapy. High GDF-15 expression drives appetite loss, nausea, weight loss and contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME).
In clinical studies, blockade of GDF-15 has been shown to increase body weight in cancer cachexia patients.
Circulating GDF-15 triggers its effects by binding to its receptor (GFRAL) in the hindbrain
Immunosuppression
in cancers
GDF-15 expression leads to an immunosuppressive TME
Cancer cachexia
GDF-15 expression leads to an immunosuppressive TME
Hyperemesis
gravidarum
Respiratory
diseases
Decline in
renal function
Heart failure
Other GDF-15
related diseases