Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine, which is critically involved in embryonic development and blastocyst implantation. LIF belongs to the interleukin 6 family and functions through the gp130 activation of STAT3. It is a key factor that prevents embryonic stem cells (ESC) to differentiate, and it is used for maintenance of ES and iPS cultures, especially in mouse cultures. In human, LIF has a role in the reprogramming and mantainance of ES cells to a naive-like stage. Additionally, LIF affects hematopoiesis, neural development, bone and energy metabolism, and inflammation.
