1. Academic Validation
  2. The influence of GDF11 on brain fate and function

The influence of GDF11 on brain fate and function

  • Geroscience. 2019 Feb;41(1):1-11. doi: 10.1007/s11357-019-00054-6.
Marissa J Schafer 1 2 Nathan K LeBrasseur 3 4
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. schafer.marissa@mayo.edu.
  • 2 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. schafer.marissa@mayo.edu.
  • 3 Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
  • 4 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
Abstract

Growth Differentiation Factor 11 (GDF11) is a transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) protein that regulates aspects of central nervous system (CNS) formation and health throughout the lifespan. During development, GDF11 influences CNS patterning and the genesis, differentiation, maturation, and activity of new cells, which may be primarily dependent on local production and action. In the aged brain, exogenous, peripherally delivered GDF11 may enhance neurogenesis and angiogenesis, as well as improve neuropathological outcomes. This is in contrast to a predominantly negative influence on neurogenesis in the developing CNS. Seemingly antithetical effects may correspond to the cell types and mechanisms activated by local versus circulating concentrations of GDF11. Yet undefined, distinct mechanisms of action in young and aged brains may also play a role, which could include differential receptor and binding partner interactions. Exogenously increasing circulating GDF11 concentrations may be a viable approach for improving deleterious aspects of brain aging and neuropathology. Caution is warranted, however, since GDF11 appears to negatively influence muscle health and body composition. Nevertheless, an expanding understanding of GDF11 biology suggests that it is an important regulator of CNS formation and fate, and its manipulation may improve aspects of brain health in older organisms.

Keywords

Alzheimer’s disease; Brain aging; Brain development; GDF11; Growth differentiation factor 11; Neurogenesis; Stroke.

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