LIFR Human

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor Alpha (LIFRα), also known as CD118, is a crucial component of the cytokine receptor family. It plays a significant role in mediating the biological effects of various cytokines, including Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), Cardiotrophin-1, and Oncostatin M . This receptor is essential for numerous physiological processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival.

LIFRα is a type I transmembrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 190 kDa . It forms a high-affinity receptor complex with gp130, a common signal transducing subunit shared by all members of the IL-6 cytokine family . This complex is responsible for activating downstream signaling pathways, such as the JAK/STAT and MAPK cascades .

LIFRα is expressed in various tissues throughout the body, including the trophectoderm of the developing embryo . Its expression is crucial for the maintenance of pluripotency in embryonic stem cells, as it promotes self-renewal by recruiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) .

LIFRα mediates the effects of LIF, which is known for its ability to induce the terminal differentiation of myeloid leukemic cells . This receptor is involved in several physiological processes, including:

• Cell Growth and Differentiation: LIFRα influences the growth and differentiation of various cell types, including hematopoietic, neuronal, and embryonic stem cells .
• Bone Metabolism: It plays a role in bone metabolism by affecting the differentiation and activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts .
• Inflammation and Immune Response: LIFRα is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses and the synthesis of acute-phase proteins .
• Neural Development: It contributes to neural development by promoting the survival and differentiation of neural cells .

Recombinant human LIFRα is produced using mammalian expression systems to ensure proper folding and post-translational modifications . This recombinant protein is used in various research applications, including stem cell culture, where it supports the maintenance of pluripotency and self-renewal .