Leukemia inhibitory factor

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Leukemia inhibitory factor, or LIF, an interleukin 6 class cytokine, is a chemical in cells that affects their growth and development. LIF derives its name from its ability to induce the terminal differentiation of myeloid leukaemic cells. Other properties attributed to the cytokine include: the growth promotion and cell differentiation of different types of target cells, influence on bone metabolism, cachexia, neural development, embryogenesis and inflammation.

LIF binds to the specific LIF receptor (LIFR-α) which forms a heterodimer with a specific subunit common to all members of that family of receptors, the gp-130 signal transducing subunit. This leads to activation of the JAK/STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription) and MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) cascades.

LIF is used in stem cell culture. It keeps stem cells in an undifferentiated status.

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