Roles of growth differentiation factor 10 in nervous system

Recent studies have demonstrated that superfamily of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays vital roles in the development of nervous system and neurological diseases. Growth differentiation factor10 (GDF10) is one of the most prominent members of this superfamily. GDF10 has been shown to participate in tissue formation during cerebellar development and be closely related to the outcomes of neuralgia, ischemic stroke and other neurological diseases. These findings provide novel ideas for research into pathogenesis of nervous system diseases and targets for development of new therapeutic approaches. This article reviews biochemical structure of GDF10, its downstream signaling pathways, and its roles in cerebellar development, neuralgia and ischemic stroke. Also the possible neurological diseases that may be treated by GDF10 are listed. Key words: Growth differentiation factor 10; Cerebellar development; Stroke; Neuralgia