Alternative Names for Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15)
GDF15 is most commonly known by its alternative name MIC-1 (Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1), and this nomenclature is used interchangeably across medical literature and clinical practice. 1, 2
Primary Alternative Nomenclature
MIC-1 (Macrophage Inhibitory Cytokine-1) is the most widely recognized alternative name for GDF15, particularly in cardiovascular and oncology literature 1, 2
The protein is also referred to as Growth-Differentiation Factor-15 with the hyphenated spelling in some publications 1
Both names—GDF15 and MIC-1—refer to the same divergent member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily 1, 2, 3
Context-Specific Usage Patterns
In cardiovascular medicine, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology literature predominantly uses "GDF-15" when discussing its role as a biomarker for heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and bleeding risk assessment 4, 5
In oncology research, "MIC-1" appears more frequently in older literature (particularly pre-2015 publications) when discussing its role in cancer progression, metastasis, and cachexia 2, 6, 7
In metabolic disease contexts, both terms are used interchangeably when describing its anorectic effects and relationship to metformin therapy 4, 8, 3
Important Clinical Consideration
The dual nomenclature does not reflect different proteins or isoforms—MIC-1 and GDF15 are identical molecules with the same receptor (GFRAL) and biological functions 2, 3, 9
When reviewing laboratory reports or research literature, clinicians should recognize both names refer to the same biomarker with identical clinical significance for risk stratification, prognosis, and disease monitoring 4, 2