IL34
Description
The IL34 (interleukin 34) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 16.
Interleukin 34 (IL-34) is a protein belonging to the interleukin family of cytokines. Initially discovered in humans, IL-34 orthologs have also been identified in chimpanzees, mice, rats, and chickens. This protein comprises 241 amino acids, weighs 39 kilodaltons, and forms homodimers. IL-34 promotes the growth and survival of monocytes, a type of immune cell, by binding to the Colony Stimulating Factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). In humans, IL-34 mRNA is most abundant in the spleen but is also present in other tissues such as the thymus, liver, intestines, prostate gland, lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, testes, and ovaries. The presence of IL-34 protein in the spleen's red pulp suggests its involvement in myeloid cell development, aligning with its activity on monocytes.
IL-34 is a cytokine that promotes the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of monocytes and macrophages. It also stimulates the release of pro-inflammatory chemokines, playing a key role in innate immunity and inflammatory processes. Additionally, IL-34 regulates osteoclast proliferation and differentiation, influencing bone resorption. Its signaling through CSF1R activates downstream effectors, leading to phosphorylation of MAPK1/ERK2 and MAPK3/ERK1.
IL34 is also known as C16orf77, IL-34.
