Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) suppresses the differentiation of myoblasts. It also inhibits the activation of caspase-3 and blocks the reduction in Bcl-xL (B cell lymphoma) levels, thus, preventing doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Along with transforming growth factor β2 (TGFβ2)/fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), LIF regulates nephrogenesis. It facilitates tubular regeneration following acute kidney failure. It plays a crucial role in neuroprotective pathways induced by preconditioning-induced oxidative stress.
[2] LIF is capable of maintaining the totipotency of embryonic stem cells.
[4] It is also involved in controlling the differentiation of embryonic stem cells, hematopoietic and neuronal cells.
[6]