Background information
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family and the TGF-beta superfamily. It has been implicated in a variety of functions directly related to tumorigenicity including antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. BMP proteins are secreted growth factors that are characterized by seven conserved cysteine residues. In general, they are regulators of cell growth and differentiation in both embryonic and adult tissues.GDF15 is an important downstream mediator of DNA damage signaling and a transcriptional target of p53.