GDF-11 is a member of the TGF-β superfamily that gained widespread attention after a 2013 Harvard study suggested it could reverse age-related cardiac hypertrophy when young blood was transfused into old mice (parabiosis). Subsequent research has been highly controversial, with conflicting reports on whether GDF-11 levels decline with age and whether supplementation is beneficial or harmful. The "young blood factor" narrative has been significantly challenged by replication failures and contradictory data.
Category: Anti-Aging / Regenerative. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Preclinical only. No human clinical trials. Highly controversial preclinical results.
GDF-11 signals through activin type II receptors (ActRIIA and ActRIIB) and downstream SMAD2/3 transcription factors. It shares 90% amino acid homology with myostatin (GDF-8) and can activate overlapping signaling pathways. Proposed rejuvenating effects include promoting neurogenesis, improving…
Safety considerations: No human safety data exists; Shares 90% homology with myostatin; may cause muscle wasting at high doses; TGF-β superfamily members have complex dose-dependent effects that can be beneficial or harmful.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Molecular weight | ~12.5 kDa (mature dimer) |
|---|---|
| Production method | recombinant |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Research reagent only. |
Related peptides: Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium.
The evidence is highly controversial. The original 2013-2014 Harvard studies generated enormous excitement, but subsequent work by multiple groups has challenged key findings. The antibodies used may have cross-reacted with myostatin, and it is unclear whether GDF-11 levels actually decline with age.
No, but they share 90% amino acid sequence identity and activate overlapping receptor pathways. This high similarity has caused significant confusion in the research literature, as antibodies and assays may not distinguish between the two.
Recombinant GDF-11 is available as a research reagent from suppliers like R&D Systems and PeproTech. It is not approved or intended for human use. Self-administration carries significant risks.
No. Parabiosis experiments involved sharing entire circulatory systems between young and old mice. GDF-11 was identified as one candidate factor, but young blood contains thousands of proteins, exosomes, and other factors.