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Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Proliferation and Differentiation of Murine Myeloid Precursor 32D/G-CSF-R Cells
Published on: February 21, 2018
Roles of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor in cancer
Wei Ma1, Haixu Yan2, Haoyuan Ma2
1School of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR), in complex with glycoprotein 130 (gp130) as the receptor for leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), can bind to a variety of cytokines and subsequently activate a variety of signaling pathways, including Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. LIF, the most multifunctional cytokines of the interleukin-6 family acts as both a growth factor and a growth inhibitor in different types of tumors. LIF/LIFR signaling regulates a broad array of tumor-related processes including proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion. However, due to the activation of different signaling pathways, opposite regulatory effects are observed in certain tumor cells. Therefore, the role of LIFR in human cancers varies across different tumor and tissue, despite their recognized value in tumor treatment and prognosis observation is affirmed. Given its aberrant expression in numerous tumor cells and crucial regulatory function in tumorigenesis and progression, LIFR is considered as a promising targeted therapeutic agent. This review provides an overview of LIFR's initiating signaling pathway function as a cytokine receptor and summarize the current literature on the role of LIFR in cancer and its possible use in therapy.
Insights
Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) plays a complex role in cancer, influencing tumor growth and spread. Its varied effects highlight LIFR as a potential target for novel cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR), complexed with gp130, is a receptor for leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a multifunctional cytokine.
- LIF/LIFR signaling impacts tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion.
- The role of LIFR in cancer is context-dependent, with varying effects across different tumor types and tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the signaling pathways initiated by LIFR.
- To summarize current literature on LIFR's role in human cancers.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of LIFR in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on LIFR signaling and cancer.
- Analysis of LIFR's function in various tumor-related processes.
- Evaluation of LIFR's expression and therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- LIFR activates signaling pathways like JAK/STAT3.
- LIF/LIFR signaling can promote or inhibit tumor progression depending on the cellular context.
- Aberrant LIFR expression is observed in numerous cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- LIFR's dual role in tumorigenesis necessitates careful consideration for therapeutic strategies.
- LIFR is a promising target for developing new cancer therapies.
- Understanding LIFR signaling is crucial for cancer treatment and prognosis.
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