Mitochondrial dysfunction and cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer: GDF15 as a master player

Gastric cancer, a major global health concern, poses challenges in effective treatment, notably due to chemoresistance. This study investigates the role of growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) in mitochondrial dysfunction and its impact on cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer cells. In this issue of The FEBS Journal, Wang et al. demonstrate that GDF15 upregulation is associated with cisplatin insensitivity, mediated by the ATF4-CHOP pathway and reactive oxygen species-activated general control nonderepressible 2 [Wang S-F et al. (2023) FEBS J, https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16992]. Connecting these insights, we explore the broader implications of GDF15 expression in the aging-cancer axis, particularly its involvement in cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This study suggests that GDF15 released by senescent cells could contribute to tumor progression, indicating potential avenues for therapeutic intervention by targeting senescent cells and their SASP. While the study provides valuable insights into mitigating cisplatin resistance, further research is crucial to fully understand the role of GDF15 in the tumor microenvironment and its potential feedback loops promoting tumorigenesis.