Title: Harnessing Intercellular Communication to Balance Inflammation and Control Food Intake
Abstract
Hyperactivation of immune cells and imbalance of energy consumption pose serious threats to health, yet effective management strategies remain limited. Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, has been reported to regulate immunity, limit appetite, and alter behavior. Circulating levels of GDF15 are controlled by various physiological and pathological conditions, highlighting its potential role in helping the body adapt to diverse challenges. Despite these insights, the full spectrum of GDF15’s functions is not yet completely understood. In this talk, I will discuss the systemic regulatory mechanisms governing GDF15 expression and examine its wide-ranging physiological effects1. By deepening our understanding of GDF15, we may uncover novel strategies for addressing metabolic and immune-related disorders.
References
1 Weng, J. H. et al. Colchicine acts selectively in the liver to induce hepatokines that inhibit myeloid cell activation. Nat Metab 3, 513-522 (2021). https://doi.org:10.1038/s42255-021-00366-y