GDF-11 Research Reference

Catalog classification, reference sizes, lab math links, and source-backed data. Educational use only — not medical advice.

Researched for: TGF-beta family aging biology

Structural Research protein Lyophilized verified

Also known as: Growth differentiation factor 11

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Quick Facts

Reference Sizes

1 mg

Calculator

Preset available

Storage

Lyophilized: store at -20 deg C. After reconstitution: refrigerate 2-8 deg C; verify beyond-use timing against source COA. Note contested directionality of effect before recording research notes.

Solubility

Lyophilized recombinant protein; reconstitute in sterile PBS

Catalog Description

GDF-11 (growth/differentiation factor 11) is a TGF-beta superfamily member closely related to myostatin (GDF-8), sharing the ActRIIB receptor pathway. It gained attention as a candidate anti-aging/rejuvenation factor in some rodent parabiosis studies, but subsequent research has produced conflicting findings - some studies report GDF-11 declines with age and can rejuvenate aged tissue, while others report it impairs skeletal muscle regeneration, reflecting real scientific controversy rather than settled consensus. A GDF-11/myostatin-inhibitor fusion protein (GDF11 propeptide-Fc) has shown increased skeletal muscle mass and improved strength in dystrophic mouse models - but this tests inhibiting, not administering, GDF-11.

Catalog descriptions reflect research context only. Not a medical claim or treatment recommendation.

Research Profile

Half-Life

Not established in humans

Onset

Animal outcomes were assessed over weeks

Administration Routes (Research)

IP or systemic delivery in animal studies

Reported Research Effects

Shares ActRIIB receptor pathway with myostatin
Directionally contested in the literature: some studies show tissue-rejuvenating effects, others show impaired muscle regeneration
GDF-11/myostatin dual inhibition improves muscle mass/strength in dystrophic mouse models (inhibitor, not GDF-11 itself)

Reported Research Side Effects

Human safety is unknown
At higher exposure TGF-beta-family signaling may impair skeletal muscle regeneration or affect blood cells

Data source: Primary mouse studies and current controversy review

Reflects preclinical/research literature context only. Not a medical claim, dosing instruction, or treatment recommendation.

Research Protocols Reported in the Literature

0.1 mg/kg daily recombinant GDF11 [IP; Four weeks; Daily]Source: disputed mouse-regeneration studies summarized in PMCID PMC10793994

Research Interactions

Flagged Avoid / Caution Combinations (Research)

Other myostatin activin or TGF-beta pathway modulators

Reflects patterns reported in research/community literature only. Not a safety guarantee, medical advice, or interaction warning for human use.

Research Notes

The original rejuvenation interpretation is disputed because early assays cross-reacted with myostatin and later studies did not reproduce key findings. The row must not present GDF11 as an established anti-aging intervention.

Supplementary research context only. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

Sources

GDF11 and aging biology controversies — PubMed Central (NIH)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10793994/

Critical review of GDF11 muscle claims — PubMed Central (NIH)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4829942/

Initial mouse muscle study — PubMed (NIH)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24797481/

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Research Use Only. All content is for educational and research reference only. Not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or guidance on human use. Compounds are not FDA-approved drugs unless specifically noted.