anti-GDF15, mAb (rec.) (blocking) (Danae-1-1) (preservative free)

Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15, also known as macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1)), is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily and was initially identified in activated macrophages. GDF15 acts through a recently identified receptor called Glial-derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) Receptor Alpha-Like (GFRAL), which signals through the Rearranged during Transfection (RET) tyrosine kinase receptor. GDF15 is highly expressed in placenta and brain, and it is expressed at lower levels in kidney, pancreas, prostate and colon. Similar to other TGF-β family proteins, GDF15 is synthesized as a large precursor protein that is cleaved to release the mature protein that shares 66% and 97% amino acid sequence identity with the human and rat proteins, respectively. Biologically active GDF15 is a disulfide-linked homodimer of the mature protein. The effects of GDF-15 are pleiotropic and include appetite regulation, actions on metabolism, pregnancy, cell survival, immune response and inflammation. GDF-15 also plays different roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, cancer-associated anorexia/cachexia and diabetes.

High levels of GDF15 cause anorectic effects and cachexia, largely if not exclusively through the suppression of food intake via modulation of neuropeptide Y and pro-opiomelanocortin levels. Various functions have been reported for GDF15, including inhibition of TNF-α production from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages and the induction of cartilage formation. GDF15 also promotes neuronal survival. GFRAL and GDF15 signaling are implicated in diet-based obesity and insulin resistance. GDF15 is cardioprotective via inhibition of platelet activation, limiting atherosclerosis, promoting recovery following myocardial infarction and regulating angiogenesis. Recently, GDF15 has also been a key player in human aging. It has been linked to aging-related processes, including cellular senescence and the dysfunction of mitochondria, as well as age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.