MIF
GeneName
MIF
Summary
MIF, also known as macrophage migration inhibitory factor, GIF, or glycosylation inhibiting factor, is a 12 kDa cytokine that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses and inflammation. It is expressed in various tissues, including immune cells, and is localised to the cell surface, cytoplasm, and extracellular regions. MIF functions as a chemoattractant and is involved in cell surface receptor signalling pathways, influencing processes such as macrophage chemotaxis and the inflammatory response. Additionally, it exhibits enzymatic activities, including dopachrome isomerase and phenylpyruvate tautomerase activities, contributing to its diverse biological roles.
Importance
MIF is relevant to: - Modulating immune responses and inflammation, making it a target for therapeutic interventions in autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions - Cancer biology, where it influences tumour progression and immune evasion - The regulation of cellular senescence and apoptosis, impacting tissue homeostasis and repair mechanisms - The response to DNA damage, particularly in relation to p53 signalling pathways, which are crucial in cancer biology and therapy.
Top Products
For researchers investigating MIF, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the well-cited Anti-MIF antibody [2A10-4D3] (ab55445), a trusted monoclonal antibody that has garnered 17 citations for its effectiveness in Western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and flow cytometry (FC). This antibody is a reliable choice for those looking to study MIF in various contexts. Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-MIF antibody [EPR12463] (ab175189), which has been validated in knockout models and is suitable for WB, flow cytometry (FC), and immunoprecipitation (IP). With 12 citations, this recombinant product provides the batch-to-batch consistency that researchers often require, making it an excellent option for MIF detection. The Anti-MIF antibody - C-terminal ELISA Kit (ab189290) is an excellent option for researchers looking to measure MIF levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that MIF antibodies are being utilised in research related to human diseases, specifically in the context of esophageal carcinoma and Alzheimer's disease. This suggests a potential role for MIF in cancer and neurodegenerative conditions.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the innate immune response to bacterial pathogens (PubMed:15908412, PubMed:17443469, PubMed:23776208). The expression of MIF at sites of inflammation suggests a role as mediator in regulating the function of macrophages in host defense (PubMed:15908412, PubMed:17443469, PubMed:23776208). Counteracts the anti-inflammatory activity of glucocorticoids (PubMed:15908412, PubMed:17443469, PubMed:23776208). Has phenylpyruvate tautomerase and dopachrome tautomerase activity (in vitro), but the physiological substrate is not known (PubMed:11439086, PubMed:17526494). It is not clear whether the tautomerase activity has any physiological relevance, and whether it is important for cytokine activity (PubMed:11439086, PubMed:17526494).
Involvement in disease
Rheumatoid arthritis systemic juvenile
RASJ
An inflammatory articular disorder with systemic onset beginning before the age of 16. It represents a subgroup of juvenile arthritis associated with severe extraarticular features and occasionally fatal complications. During active phases of the disorder, patients display a typical daily spiking fever, an evanescent macular rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, serositis, myalgia and arthritis.
None
Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the MIF family.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
- Cytoplasm
- Does not have a cleavable signal sequence and is secreted via a specialized, non-classical pathway. Secreted by macrophages upon stimulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or by M.tuberculosis antigens.
Alternative names
GLIF, MMIF, MIF, Macrophage migration inhibitory factor, Glycosylation-inhibiting factor, L-dopachrome isomerase, L-dopachrome tautomerase, Phenylpyruvate tautomerase, GIF