The emerging translational potential of GDF11 in chronic wound healing

Chronic skin wounds impose immense suffers and economic burdens. Current research mainly focuses on acute wound management which exhibits less effective in chronic wound healing. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has profound effects on several important physiological processes related to chronic wound healing, such as inflammation, cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis. This review summarizes recent advances in biology of chronic wounds and the potential role of GDF11 on wound healing with its regenerative effects, as well as the potential delivery methods of GDF11. The challenges and future perspectives of GDF11-based therapy for chronic wound care are also discussed. The Translational Potential of this Article: This review summarized the significance of GDF11 in the modulation of inflammation, vascularization, cell proliferation, and remodeling, which are important physiological processes of chronic wound healing. The potential delivery methods of GDF11 in the management of chronic wound healing is also summarized. This review may provide potential therapeutic approaches based on GDF11 for chronic wound healing.