CNTF

Functions as a cytokine through the ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor (CNTFR) complex. The CNTFR complex indeed consists of the membrane-anchored non-signaling receptor CNTFR and the two signaling receptor subunits IL6ST/gp130 and LIFR that transduce the signal into the cell. Functionally, promotes neuronal survival, supports differentiation of various neuronal and non-neuronal cells, and importantly regulates oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation. Mechanistically, ligand binding to the CNTFR induces dimerization of the IL6ST/gp130 and LIFR, which activates JAK tyrosine kinases (JAK1 or JAK2 and to lesser extent TYK2) bound to their intracellular domains. These kinases subsequently phosphorylate IL6ST/gp130 and LIFR. The tyrosine phosphorylated signaling receptors serve in turn as docking sites for recruitment and activation of signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT3 and to lesser extent STAT1). Can also signal via trans-signaling using soluble forms of CNTFR. Seems to prevent the degeneration of motor axons after axotomy (By similarity)..

Function from UniProtKB (P26441), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.