LIF polyclonal antibody

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are the focus of much research and represent great therapeutic potential as they can be propagated indefinitely in an undifferentiated state while possessing the ability to differentiate into all embryonic germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm) both in vivo and in vitro. LIF (leukemia inhibitory factor), also known as MLPLI (melanoma-derived LPL inhibitor), HILDA, DIA or CDF, is a 202 amino acid secreted protein and lymphoid factor that participates in the maintenance of ES cell pluripotency by suppressing spontaneous ES cell differentiation. Secreted LIF precursor is further processed into a biologically active glycoprotein. Expressed by a wide variety of cells including activated T lymphocytes, monocytes, mast cells and neuronal cells, LIF is suggested to promote survival and growth of axons in vitro and is involved in immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. LIF may also participate in fat and bone metabolism and regulate epithelial conversion during kidney development.