Lei Fang, Fengzhou Li and Chundong Gu* Pages 654 - 662 ( 9 )
Various pathological processes are associated with the aberrant expression and function of cytokines, especially those belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family. Nevertheless, the functions of members of the TGF-β family in cancer progression and therapy are still uncertain. Growth differentiation factor- 15, which exists in intracellular and extracellular forms, is classified as a divergent member of the TGF-β superfamily. It has been indicated that GDF-15 is also connected to the evolution of cancer both positively and negatively depending upon the cellular state and environment. Under normal physiological conditions, GDF-15 inhibits early tumour promotion. However, its abnormal expression in advanced cancers causes proliferation, invasion, metastasis, cancer stem cell formation, immune escape and a reduced response to therapy. As a clinical indicator, GDF-15 can be used as a tool for the diagnosis and therapy of an extensive scope of cancers. Although some basic functions of GDF-15 are noncontroversial, their mechanisms remain unclear and complicated at the molecular level. Therefore, GDF-15 needs to be further explored and reviewed.
GDF-15, antineoplastic agent, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, therapy.
Department of Thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, Department of Thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011, Department of Thoracic surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116011