CLCF1


Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1, also known as Novel Neurotrophin-1 or B cell-stimulating factor-3, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CLCF1 gene.

Function

CLCF1 induces tyrosine phosphorylation of the IL-6 receptor common subunit glycoprotein 130, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor beta, and the transcription factor STAT3. It has been implicated in the induction of IL-1 and serum amyloid A, and in B cell hyperplasia. This cytokine is capable of B cell activation via gp130 receptor stimulation.

Structure

CLCF1 is a cytokine belonging to the interleukin-6 family. It is a secreted protein, found predominantly in lymph nodes and spleen, and contains 225 amino acids with a molecular mass of 22 kDa in its mature form. IL6 family members share similarity in gene structure and have a 4-helix bundle in their protein structure. CLCF1 is closely related to other proteins called cardiotrophin-1 and ciliary neurotrophic factor.