
Recombinant human GDF-15 protein (Qk017)
£205.00 – £2,900.00

Human growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) protein is a member of the TGFβ family and subject of intense interest as a marker of cellular stress and for its role in metabolism, cancer and pregnancy. Human GDF-15 also is functional in mouse studies.
Qkine GDF-15 is a 25 kDa disulfide-linked dimer composed of the mature domain of human GDF-15 protein. Our recombinant GDF-15 protein is exceptionally high purity, animal origin-free and extensively validated to ensure no trace contamination of related TGF-β family proteins from the mammalian culture systems.
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£205.00 – £2,900.00
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Summary:
- High purity human GDF-15 protein (Uniprot: Q99988)
- 25 kDa (dimer)
>98%, by SDS-PAGE quantitative densitometry
Expressed in E. coli
Animal origin-free (AOF) and carrier protein-free
Manufactured in our Cambridge, UK laboratories
Lyophilized from acetonitrile, TFA
- Resuspend in 10 mM HCl (Reconstitution solution A) at >50 µg/ml, add carrier protein if desired, prepare single-use aliquots and store frozen at -20 °C (short-term) or -80 °C (long-term)
Featured applications:
In vivo metabolic studies in mice (using human GDF-15)
Biomarker for cellular stress

GDF-15 signals through GRAL and co-receptor RET leading to RET phosphorylation and signalling through the ERK and AKT pathway (reviewed in Emmerson et al., 2018). Commercial sources of GDF-15, in particular those purified from mammalian expression systems, have been shown previously to be contaminated with trace amounts of TGF-β. These trace contaminants cause misleading experimental results due to the picomolar or even femtomolar EC50s (Olsen et al., 2017). Here we use a well-characterized SMAD2/3 activation assay to show that there is no contamination from other TGF-β family proteins. Bioactivity was determined using a luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells. Cells were treated (in triplicate) with a serial dilution of GDF-15 for 6 hours. Firefly luciferase activity is measured and normalized to the control Renilla luciferase activity, no contamination with TGF-β or related growth factors was found. Data from Qk017 lot #104282.
GDF-15 migrates as a single band at 24 kDa in non-reducing (NR) and 13 kDa as a single monomeric species upon reduction (R). No contaminating protein bands are visible. Purified recombinant protein (7 µg) was resolved using 15% w/v SDS-PAGE in reduced (+β-mercaptothanol, R) and non-reduced conditions (NR) and stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R250. Data from Qk017 lot #010.

Further quality assays
Mass spectrometry: single species with expected mass
Recovery from stock vial: >95%
Endotoxin: <0.005 EU/μg protein (below level of detection)
We are a company founded and run by scientists to provide a service and support innovation in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. All our products are exceptionally high purity, with complete characterisation and bioactivity analysis on every lot.
Protein background
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a distant member of the TGF-β superfamily. Its expression is tightly regulated and circulating GDF-15 protein in serum is associated with diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity and metabolic disease. GDF-15 protein is being recognized as an important biomarker for cellular stress.
Unlike other members of the TGF-β superfamily that cause activation of the SMAD pathway, GDF-15 protein signals through GRAL and co-receptor RET leading to RET phosphorylation and signalling through the ERK and AKT pathway [1]. Commercial sources of recombinant human GDF-15 protein, in particular those purified from mammalian expression, are frequently contaminated with trace amounts of TGF-β and related proteins. These trace contaminants cause misleading experimental results due to the picomolar or even femtomolar EC50s of this family of cytokines [2]. Please be cautious with your source of recombinant GDF-15 protein, our scientists are happy to provide further information, please email support@qkine.com
We produce our proteins in E. coli with no animal products in our culture or purification processes to ensure there is no contamination from related proteins. In addition, we use a well-characterized SMAD2/3 activation assay to confirm there is no SMAD signalling.
Additional resources
Publications using Recombinant human GDF-15 protein (Qk017)
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Activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis by exogenous and endogenous GDF15
Cimino I, Kim H, Tung YCL et al.
DOI: doi: 10.1073/pnas.2106868118 -
Daily GDF15 treatment has sex‐specific effects on body weight and food intake and does not enhance the effects of voluntary physical activity in mice
Jeromson S, Akcan M, Baranowski B, Arbeau M, Bellucci A, Wright DC.
DOI: doi: 10.1113/JP287256 -
Fetally-encoded GDF15 and maternal GDF15 sensitivity are major determinants of nausea and vomiting in human pregnancy
Fejzo M et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.02.542661 -
GDF15 linked to maternal risk of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
Fejzo M, Rocha N, Cimino I et al.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06921-9 -
Repression of oxidative phosphorylation by NR2F2, MTERF3 and GDF15 in human skin under high-glucose stress
Ley-Ngardigal S, Claverol S, Sobilo L et al.
DOI: doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2025.103613
Our products are for research use only and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Products are not for resale.

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