GDF15 is a cell activation and stress response cytokine of the glial cell line–derived
neurotrophic factor family within the TGF-β superfamily. It acts through a recently identified
orphan member of the GFRα family called GFRAL and signals through the Ret coreceptor.
Cell stress and disease lead to elevated GDF15 serum levels, causing anorexia, weight
loss, and alterations to metabolism, largely by actions on regions of the hindbrain. These
changes restore homeostasis and, in the case of obesity, cause a reduction in adiposity. In�…