Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables cytokine activity and growth factor activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including cell differentiation involved in embryonic placenta development; lung development; and positive regulation of macromolecule biosynthetic process. Located in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; early conceptus; hemolymphoid system; and reproductive system. Orthologous to human LIF (LIF interleukin 6 family cytokine).