GDF-11
Growth Differentiation Factor 11
Overview
GDF-11 (Growth Differentiation Factor 11) is a TGF-beta superfamily member that generated enormous scientific excitement following 2013-2014 research from Harvard suggesting it was a blood-borne rejuvenation factor responsible for the anti-aging effects observed in heterochronic parabiosis experiments. Initial studies suggested GDF-11 levels decline with age and that supplementation could reverse cardiac hypertrophy skeletal muscle aging and neurogenesis decline. While subsequent research has been more contested GDF-11 remains one of the most discussed potential systemic longevity factors and continues to be actively studied.
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C45H54N4O8
Molecular Weight
778.90 g/mol
IUPAC Name
methyl (1R,9S,10S,11R,12R,19R)-11-acetyloxy-12-ethyl-4-[(12S,14R)-16-ethyl-12-methoxycarbonyl-1,10-diazatetracyclo[12.3.1.03,11.04,9]octadeca-3(11),4,6,8,15-pentaen-12-yl]-10-hydroxy-5-methoxy-8-methyl-8,16-diazapentacyclo[10.6.1.01,9.02,7.016,19]nonadeca-2,4,6,14-tetraene-10-carboxylate
PubChem CID
156024943Where does GDF-11 sit?
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Mechanism of Action
GDF-11 signals through activin receptor type IIA and IIB (ActRIIA/B) and activates SMAD2/3 transcription factors that regulate gene expression in multiple tissues. In the original parabiosis studies GDF-11 treatment reversed age-related cardiac hypertrophy by reducing cardiomyocyte size and improving cardiac function. In skeletal muscle GDF-11 was reported to improve satellite cell function and muscle repair capacity in aged animals. In the brain GDF-11 promoted vascular remodeling and neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb. Subsequent studies have challenged some of these findings and debate continues about whether circulating GDF-11 increases or decreases with age and which tissues respond to exogenous GDF-11. The field has matured to recognize GDF-11 as one component of a complex rejuvenating factor milieu rather than a single magic bullet.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
No established human dosing
Frequency
N/A
Administration
Intravenous injection (research)
Notes
Research compound only. No commercial human formulation available. Significant scientific controversy remains about optimal dosing window as both too little and too much GDF-11 may have negative effects.
Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Intravenous injection (research)
- Typical Dose
- No established human dosing
- Frequency
- N/A
- References
- 0 curated + 42 from PubMed
- Clinical Trials
- 50 registered
- Evidence Score
- 61.5 / 100