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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
Published on: May 4, 2018
Growth differentiation factor 11 is a protective factor for osteoblastogenesis by targeting PPARgamma
Yan Zhang1, Jin Shao1, Zhi Wang1
1Department of Orthopaedics, Gongli Hospital of Pudong New Area, Shanghai 200135, China.
Abstract:
Growth and differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a TGF-β family member that is expressed widely and plays multiple roles, including regulating axial skeletal patterning during development. However, the function of GDF11 in the bone is barely understood. Here we identify GDF11 as a potent regulator of bone homeostasis. GDF11 level is significantly decreased in the plasma and bone marrow of aging mice and mice with osteoporosis. Pharmacologic GDF11 gain of function leads to a striking increase in osteoblastogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by altering the gene expression pattern. GDF11 inhibits the activity of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) by promoting its SUMOylation. Therefore, GDF11 is a critical rheostat for bone turnover and a key integrator of bone homeostasis. These results reveal that skeletal fragility may be reduced by chronic GDF11 administration.
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