Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) - a promising anti-ageing factor - is highly concentrated in platelets

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biochemistry
• Hematology

Background:

• Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) shows potential in reversing age-related diseases.
• Circulating GDF11 levels decline with age, suggesting therapeutic applications.
• The primary source of circulating GDF11 remains unidentified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the tissue source of GDF11.
• To analyze GDF11 concentrations in serum, plasma, and platelet lysate.
• To clarify potential biases in previous GDF11 measurements.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of paired serum, plasma, and platelet lysate (PL) samples from 23 volunteers.
• Platelet-rich plasma and PL were obtained via plateletpheresis.
• Quantification of GDF11 levels across different sample types.

Main Results:

• GDF11 is highly concentrated within platelets.
• Circulating GDF11 levels in plasma may be significantly lower than previously reported.
• Serum sample manipulation appears to introduce bias in GDF11 measurements.

Conclusions:

• Platelets are a major reservoir of GDF11.
• Previous findings on GDF11 plasma levels may require re-evaluation due to methodological artifacts.
• Accurate GDF11 quantification is crucial for its therapeutic development in aging.