Leukemia inhibitory factor: A main controller of breast cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among females, worldwide. The cytokines are proteins that have a significant role in the development of tumor growth. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) of the interleukin-6 cytokines superfamily plays a significant role, by the modulation of many signaling pathways. This study summarizes some current works in breast cancer, in which LIF intervention is being discussed. LIF promotes tumorigenesis, invasion, migration of breast cancer cells in vitro, metastasis of breast cancer in vivo, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and mediates pro-invasive activation of stromal fibroblast. LIF contributes to inducing growth, tumorigenesis, and metastasis of breast cancer and is a significant biomarker for breast tumors and can be a therapeutic target for clinical intervention.