The modulatory hematopoietic activities of leukemia inhibitory factor

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multi-potential cytokine which has been implicated in the hematopoietic regulatory machinery. For example, we have found that LIF is constitutively expressed in marrow stroma. Other investigators have reported that LIF affects remodeling of bone, and that, in concert with other growth factors, it stimulates hematopoietic stem cell proliferation. Moreover, in vivo animal trials reveal that, at high doses, administration of LIF induces myelosclerosis whereas, at lower doses, megakaryocytosis and thrombocytosis with reduced bone marrow cellularity and marrow lymphopenia are observed. Therefore, the role of LIF in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative disorders such as myelofibrosis and sclerosis merits investigation. Further, its megakaryocytic stimulatory properties suggest that LIF may be exploitable in the clinic to enhance platelet production.