Role of LIF and LIFR in colorectal cancer

In 2020, colorectal cancer has become the third worldwide most prevalent cancer and second deadliest cancer and its prevalence rate is still on the rise. IL-6 cytokine superfamily includes a group of cytokines that are crucial factors in the development of tumors. Leukemia inhibitory factor belongs to this superfamily, showing its activity in regulating different kinds of signal transduction pathways and helping inhibit differentiation and regeneration of stem cells, involved in immune procession and inflammation. LIF also exercises an influence over a variety of cancers. Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) is a complex that is composed of LIFR-β (or LIFR) subunit and glycoprotein 130. LIFR binds with LIF with high affinity, as a result of which various intracellular signaling pathways are activated. This article reviews the state and function of LIF and LIFR in the occurrence and metastasis of colorectal cancer, and its potential in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is also anticipated.