Leukemia inhibitory factor

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an interleukin 6 class cytokine that affects cell growth by inhibiting differentiation. When LIF levels drop, the cells differentiate.

Function

LIF is normally expressed in the trophoblast of the uterus and helps prevent the immune system from attacking the developing embryo. Following implantation, LIF also affects bone metabolism, neural development and inflammation.

Clinical significance

LIF has the capacity to induce terminal differentiation in leukemic cells and other malignant cells, and may have potential use in cancer therapy.

Interactions

Leukemia inhibitory factor has been shown to interact with LIFR and IL6ST.

See also

• Cytokine
• Interleukin 6
• Leukemia
• LIFR
• IL6ST

External links

• LIF at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Leukemia inhibitory factor Resources
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