Leukemia inhibitory factor, or LIF, is a member of the IL-6 family. LIF affects cell growth by inhibiting differentiation. When LIF levels drop, the cells differentiate.  derives its name from its ability to induce the terminal differentiation of myeloid leukemic cells, thus preventing their continued growth. Other properties attributed to LIF include: the growth promotion and cell differentiation of different types of target cells, influence on bone metabolism, cachexia, neural development, embryogenesis and inflammation. p53 regulated LIF has been shown to facilitate implantation in the mouse model and possibly in humans. Removal of LIF pushes stem cells toward differentiation, but they retain their proliferative potential or pluripotency. LIF is typically added to stem cell culture medium to reduce spontaneous differentiation.

Alternate Names- LIF, CDF, DIA, HILDA, MLPLI, leukemia inhibitory factor, interleukin 6 family cytokine, LIF interleukin 6 family cytokine

LIF Homology Across Species
Gallus gallus (chicken) LIF – 100%
Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail) LIF – 97%
Meleagris gallopavo (turkey) LIF – 96%
Colinus virginianus (northern bobwhite) LIF – 95%