Leukemia inhibitory factor

Leukemia inhibitory factor (pronounced: loo-kee-mee-uh in-hib-i-tor-ee fak-tor), often abbreviated as LIF, is a interleukin 6 class cytokine that affects cell growth by inhibiting differentiation. When LIF levels drop, the cells differentiate.

Etymology

The term "Leukemia inhibitory factor" is derived from the factor's ability to inhibit the growth of leukemia cells. The term "leukemia" is derived from the Greek words "leukos" (λευκός), meaning "white", and "haima" (αἷμα), meaning "blood".

Function

LIF has the capacity to induce terminal differentiation in leukemic cells and other malignant cells, and to prevent their continued proliferation. However, its physiological role is not restricted to the inhibition of leukemia cells. LIF is a pleiotropic cytokine with multiple effects on different cell types and tissues. It is involved in several physiological processes, including embryogenesis, inflammation, bone metabolism and neuronal development.

Related Terms

Interleukin 6: A cytokine that plays an essential role in the final differentiation of B-cells into immunoglobulin-secreting cells.
Cytokine: A broad and loose category of small proteins that are important in cell signaling.
Differentiation: The process by which a cell changes from one cell type to another.
Leukemic cells: Cancerous white blood cells that do not work properly and crowd out healthy cells.
Embryogenesis: The process by which the embryo forms and develops.
Inflammation: A localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.
Bone metabolism: The process by which bones form and are broken down in the body.
Neuronal development: The process by which neurons form in the brain, including neural induction, patterning, cell migration, differentiation, and synaptogenesis.