CNTF, Human

Description

Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor CNTF is a cytokine belonging to the Interleukin 6 IL-6 family, which also includes IL-6, Oncostatin M, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor LIF , and Cardiotrophin-1. Structurally, CNTF resembles a four-helix bundle composition, similar to the other members of the IL-6 family. The receptor for CNTF is composed of three parts: a gp130-like subunit common in the IL-6 receptor family, a LIF Receptor beta subunit, and a CNTF specific alpha receptor subunit. Upon binding to the CNTF, the beta subunit of the CNTF receptor will undergo tyrosine phosphorylation, and activate the intracellular JAK/STAT pathway. The main function of CNTF in vivo is to promote the differentiation and survival of a variety of neurons and glial cells, including sympathetic precursor cells and spinal motor neurons.