Affiliation:
1. Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology Gwangju Korea
2. Department of Molecular Cell Biology Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine Suwon Korea
3. Department of Cardiovascular Surgery The Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
4. Department of Dermatology The Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
5. Department of Hepatological Surgery Shuangliao Center Hospital Shuangliao China
6. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Pusan National University Hospital Busan Korea
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundGrowth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15), a stress‐responsive cytokine from transforming growth factor superfamily, is highly expressed in mammalian tissues, including pancreas, stomach and intestine under pathological conditions. In particular, elevated levels of GDF15 might play an important role in the development and progression of various gastrointestinal cancers (GCs), suggesting its potential as a promising target for disease prediction and treatment.MethodsIn this review, systematic reviews addressing the role of GDF15 in GCs were updated, along with the latest clinical trials focussing on the GDF15‐associated digestive malignancies.ResultsThe multiple cellular pathways through which GDF15 is involved in the regulation of physiological and pathological conditions were first summarized. Then, GDF15 was also established as a valuable clinical index, functioning as a predictive marker in diverse GCs. Notably, latest clinical treatments targeting GDF15 were also highlighted, demonstrating its promising potential in mitigating and curing digestive malignancies.ConclusionsThis review unveils the pivotal roles of GDF15 and its potential as a promising target in the pathogenesis of GCs, which may provide insightful directions for future investigations.
Funder
National Research Foundation of Korea