Fig. 8
From: RETRACTED ARTICLE: GDF11 enhances therapeutic functions of mesenchymal stem cells for angiogenesis
Schematic diagram of the proposed mechanisms that GDF11 promotes MSC functions for angiogenesis. GDF11 can interact with TGF-β receptor, resulting in activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, enhancement of the angiogenesis and anti-apoptosis-related proteins expression and augment of paracrine function, which could play better roles in the ischemic muscles by fortifying angiogenesis and blood reperfusion in vivo