Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11 or bone morphogenetic protein 11, BMP11) belongs to the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is closely related to other family member—myostatin (also known as GDF8). GDF11 was firstly identified in 2004 due to its ability to rejuvenate the function of multiple organs in old mice. However, in the past few years, the heralded rejuvenating effects of GDF11 have been seriously questioned by many studies that do not support the idea that restoring levels of GDF11 in aging improves overall organ structure and function. Moreover, with increasing controversies, several other studies described the involvement of GDF11 in fibrotic processes in various organ setups. This review paper focuses on the GDF11 and its pro- or anti-fibrotic actions in major organs and tissues, with the goal to summarize our knowledge on its emerging role in regulating the progression of fibrosis in different pathological conditions, and to guide upcoming research efforts.

生长分化因子11（GDF11或骨形态发生蛋白11，BMP11）属于转化生长因子-β超家族，与其他家族成员肌肉生长抑制素（也称为GDF8）密切相关。GDF11 于 2004 年首次被发现，因为它能够恢复老年小鼠多个器官的功能。然而，在过去几年中，GDF11 所宣扬的返老还童功效受到了许多研究的严重质疑，这些研究并不支持恢复衰老过程中 GDF11 水平可改善整体器官结构和功能的观点。此外，随着争议的增加，其他几项研究描述了 GDF11 参与各种器官设置的纤维化过程。本综述重点关注 GDF11 及其在主要器官和组织中的促纤维化或抗纤维化作用，旨在总结我们对其在不同病理条件下调节纤维化进展中的新作用的认识，并指导即将开展的研究工作。