### GDF15 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** GDF15  
**Description:** The GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15) gene encodes a member of the TGF-beta superfamily. It functions primarily as a pleiotropic cytokine involved in cellular stress responses, influencing processes such as inflammation, metabolism, and injury recovery.  

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### 1. Associated Genes
GDF15 has been linked to several other genes and pathways, including:

- **GFRAL**: This is the primary receptor for GDF15 and is critical for its signaling pathway related to energy homeostasis and stress responses.
- **SMAD family genes (e.g., SMAD2, SMAD3)**: These are transcription factors that mediate the signaling pathways initiated by TGF-beta superfamily ligands, including GDF15. 
- **PPARs (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors)**: There is interaction influencing metabolic pathways, particularly regarding lipid metabolism.

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### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
GDF15 has been implicated in various age-related conditions:

- **Aging**: Elevated levels of GDF15 have been observed in aging tissues, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker for biological age.
- **Age-related Diseases**: Increased GDF15 levels are associated with metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. It may act as a protective response to cellular stress, but prolonged elevation can indicate underlying pathologies.

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### 3. Drug Interactions
While specific drugs that directly interact with GDF15 may not be extensively cataloged, studies indicate that:

- **Antidiabetic drugs**: Some antidiabetic medications influence GDF15 levels as part of their mode of action.
- **Anti-inflammatory agents**: Given GDF15's involvement in inflammatory responses, certain anti-inflammatory drugs may modulate its expression.
- **Chemotherapeutic agents**: Certain cancer treatments may affect GDF15 levels in response to cellular stress.

The precise interactions and effects of these drugs on GDF15 require further investigation.

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### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
GDF15 is involved in several important pathways and processes:

- **TGF-beta signaling pathway**: GDF15 activates SMAD proteins, leading to changes in gene expression related to proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
- **Cellular stress response**: It plays a critical role in the cellular response to stress, particularly after injury, linking it to mechanisms of tissue repair.
- **Regulation of metabolism**: GDF15 is involved in regulating energy expenditure, food intake, and body weight control, especially under stress or metabolic challenges.
- **Inflammatory response**: It acts as a pro-inflammatory mediator in several diseases, helping coordinate the immune response.

This gene's functional diversity makes it a significant target both for understanding metabolic regulation and for potential therapeutic approaches in various disorders, particularly those associated with stress and inflammation.