QuicKey Pro Human GDF15 (Growth Differentiation Factor 15) ELISA Kit

GDF-15 is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily. GDF-15 is expressed as a 308 amino acids precursor that includes a signal peptide, a pro-domain, and a 112 residue mature protein. The secreted pro-domain binds to the extracellular matrix, where it can be activated by multiple enzymes such as furin (PCSK3), PCSK5, PCSK6, MMP-26, and MT1-MMP. GDF-15 is mainly expressed in placenta and prostate. Its expression is low in other tissues such as kidney, bladder, stomach, pancreas, liver, and gall bladder. GDF-15 is highly expressed in cancer cells with high levels detected in serum of cancer patients. GDF-15 has an important role in metabolic syndrome. GDF-15 transgenic mice present a lean phenotype. Furthermore, GDF-15 affects the macrophages in adipose tissue. Lean adipose tissue is characterized by the presence of anti-inflammatory M2-like macrophages. In obese individuals, adipose tissue show presence of CD8 effector cells and recruitment of inflammatory M1 macrophages. The increase of M1 macrophages over M2 results in metabolic changes, increase of TNFalpha, induction of glucose intolerance, and insulin insensitivity. GDF-15 binds to the GDNF receptor family member alpha like (GFRAL) which interacts with the co-receptor RET.Gene AliasGDF15Gene ID9518Uniport IDQ99988Protein AliasGDF15Research AreaCancer,Immunology Protein function: Hormone produced in response to various stresses to confer information about those stresses to the brain, and trigger an aversive response, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and/or loss of appetite (PubMed:23468844, PubMed:24971956, PubMed:28846097, PubMed:28846098, PubMed:28846099, PubMed:28953886, PubMed:29046435, PubMed:30639358, PubMed:31875646, PubMed:33589633, PubMed:38092039). The aversive response is both required to reduce continuing exposure to those stresses at the time of exposure and to promote avoidance behavior in the future (PubMed:30639358, PubMed:33589633, PubMed:38092039). Acts by binding to its receptor, GFRAL, activating GFRAL-expressing neurons localized in the area postrema and nucleus tractus solitarius of the brainstem (PubMed:28846097, PubMed:28846098, PubMed:28846099, PubMed:28953886, PubMed:31535977). It then triggers the activation of neurons localized within the parabrachial nucleus and central amygdala, which constitutes part of the 'emergency circuit' that shapes responses to stressful conditions (PubMed:28953886). The GDF15-GFRAL signal induces expression of genes involved in metabolism, such as lipid metabolism in adipose tissues (PubMed:31402172). Required for avoidance behavior in response to food allergens: induced downstream of mast cell activation to promote aversion and minimize harmful effects of exposure to noxious substances. In addition to suppress appetite, also promotes weight loss by enhancing energy expenditure in muscle: acts by increasing calcium futile cycling in muscle. Contributes to the effect of metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, on appetite reduction and weight loss: produced in the kidney in response to metformin treatment, thereby activating the GDF15-GFRAL response, leading to reduced appetite and weight (PubMed:31875646, PubMed:37060902). The contribution of GDF15 to weight loss following metformin treatment is however limited and subject to discussion (PubMed:36001956). Produced in response to anticancer drugs, such as camptothecin or cisplatin, promoting nausea, vomiting and contributing to malnutrition. Overproduced in many cancers, promoting anorexia in cancer (cachexia) (PubMed:32661391). Responsible for the risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy: high levels of GDF15 during pregnancy, mostly originating from the fetus, are associated with increased nausea and vomiting (PubMed:38092039). Maternal sensitivity to nausea is probably determined by pre-pregnancy exposure to GDF15, women with naturally high level of GDF15 being less susceptible to nausea than women with low levels of GDF15 before pregnancy (PubMed:38092039). Promotes metabolic adaptation in response to systemic inflammation caused by bacterial and viral infections in order to promote tissue tolerance and prevent tissue damage (PubMed:31402172). Required for tissue tolerance in response to myocardial infarction by acting as an inhibitor of leukocyte integring activation, thereby protecting against cardiac rupture. Inhibits growth hormone signaling on hepatocytes. [The UniProt Consortium]