Although it has been reported that GDF15 can activate the downstream pathway through TGF-βR in some specific cells (e.g., cardiomyocytes, colon cancer cells, etc.), it is not clear whether GDF15 can act through TGF-β family receptors because of the purification of recombinant proteins [37]. The gene discussed is TGFB1; the disease is malignant colon neoplasm.