Interleukin6 Signal Transducer (IL6ST) Baculovirus Recombinant Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a signal transducer shared by many cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL6), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and oncostatin M (OSM). This protein functions as a part of the cytokine receptor complex. The activation of this protein is dependent upon the binding of cytokines to their receptors. vIL6, a protein related to IL6 and encoded by the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, can bypass the interleukin 6 receptor (IL6R) and directly activate this protein. Knockout studies in mice suggest that this gene plays a critical role in regulating myocyte apoptosis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described. A related pseudogene has been identified on chromosome 17. [provided by RefSeq, May 2014]

Signal-transducing molecule. The receptor systems for IL6, LIF, OSM, CNTF, IL11, CTF1 and BSF3 can utilize IL6ST for initiating signal transmission. Binding of IL6 to IL6R induces IL6ST homodimerization and formation of a high-affinity receptor complex, which activates Janus kinases (PubMed:2261637). That causes phosphorylation of IL6ST tyrosine residues which in turn activates STAT3 (PubMed:19915009, PubMed:23294003). Mediates signals which regulate immune response, hematopoiesis, pain control and bone metabolism (). Has a role in embryonic development (). Does not bind IL6 (PubMed:2261637). Essential for survival of motor and sensory neurons and for differentiation of astrocytes (). Required for expression of TRPA1 in nociceptive neurons (). Required for the maintenance of PTH1R expression in the osteoblast lineage and for the stimulation of PTH-induced osteoblast differentiation (). Required for normal trabecular bone mass and cortical bone composition ().