lif - Leukemia Inhibitory Factor

About Leukemia Inhibitory Factor [ LIF ]:

 
Mechanism
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor [ LIF ] is a protein that induces the terminal differentiation of myeloid leukemic cells, thus preventing the continued growth of these cells.
Essentially, myeloid leukemia is a form of blood cancer that can be life-threatening. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor, a naturally-occurring protein, is something we all have, and can help to force leukemic cells to differentiate rather than multiplying. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor is likely to be a key aspect that stops us all from developing myeloid leukemia. However, in certain cases -- and often fuelled by other genetic factors -- the supply of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor runs short, and cannot encourage all dangerous cells to differentiate. It is at this point that leukemia is diagnosed, and the threat to life develops.
Additionally, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor promotes growth and cell differentiation in a range of different target cells.

Function
There are multiple functions of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor -- from hereon referred to as LIF for the sake of brevity -- which are noted as follows…
● LIF restricts the growth of myeloid leukemia cells. Even if cells are cancerous, they cannot grow when there is sufficient LIF;
● LIF also assists with the metabolism of healthy bone marrow and matter;
● LIF supports neural development;
● Furthermore, muscle regeneration is improved when LIF quantities are sufficient;
● Embryogenesis also requires LIF
● LIF is used as a treatment for a wasting condition known as Cachexia. Cachexia is seen in patients with AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses; the presence of Cachexia is considered a severe risk factor for terminal prognosis.
● In patients with multiple sclerosis, LIF can help to tip the immune balance towards regulatory T-cells, improving prognosis and providing better condition management.

Interactions
● LIF binds to a specific receptor (LIFR-α), which leads to the activation of the JAK/STAT and MAPK cascades.
● LIF is often added to stem cell culture media, as an alternative to feeder cell culture. This avoids this limitation that feeder cells can present, caused by the fact that feeder cells only produce LIF on their surface. When LIF is directly added to the culture media, satisfactory results from treatment are more likely.

Thoughts For The Future
At present, LIF is understood, and used to good effect, but there is undoubtedly room for further investigation. LIF is primarily used in the treatment of myeloid leukemia; it remains to be see whether it can offer any hope in other blood cancers. Promising results have been shown in trials for its application on cutaneous melanoma.

Availability
ProSpec carries a range of LIF proteins, including human, mouse, and rat species. Adequate/relevant temperature control is guaranteed during the shipment process, so you can be confident of safe arrival; LIF can be purchased in quantities from 2µg, 10ug, 100ug, 500ug through to 1mg for use in research and development. We are confident you will be highly satisfied with our LIF offerings.