Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a member of the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family that is made by a variety of adult and embryonic tissues. LIF signals through the glycoprotein 130 (gp130)/LIF receptor (LIFR) heterodimer to activate STAT3 and MAPK signaling. LIF functions during hematopoietic differentiation, neuronal cell differentiation, kidney development, and inflammatory processes. Mouse LIF promotes mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell self-renewal and pluripotency in long-term cell culture systems, similar to the functional activity of FGF-basic in human ES cell culture systems.
Bioactivity Assay:IL-6 production by M1 cells; ED50 =1 ng/mL; Bioactivity =1.0 x 10^6 units/mg