Il34 Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
IL34 (Interleukin-34) encodes a cytokine that serves as the primary ligand for the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). It is critical for microglial survival, proliferation, and function in the central nervous system.
IL34 (Interleukin-34) is a hematopoietic growth factor that serves as the ligand for the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). It plays critical roles in microglial proliferation, survival, and function in the central nervous system. IL34 is highly expressed in neurons and is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
| Property |
Value |
| Symbol |
IL34 |
| Full Name |
Interleukin 34 |
| Chromosomal Location |
16q22.1 |
| NCBI Gene ID |
146433 |
| OMIM |
612681 |
| Ensembl ID |
ENSG00000157368 |
| UniProt ID |
Q86V25 |
IL34 is a homodimeric cytokine that binds CSF1R with high affinity, driving microglial development and function. Unlike CSF1 (M-CSF), IL34 has distinct spatial expression patterns in the brain.
- Microglial Survival: Essential for microglial cell survival
- Proliferation: Stimulates microglial proliferation
- Differentiation: Guides microglial differentiation from progenitors
- Polarization: Modulates microglial M1/M2 polarization
IL34 is expressed in:
- Microglial Dysfunction: IL34 levels altered in AD brain
- Amyloid Response: Regulates microglial clearance of Aβ
- Therapeutic Potential: IL34 administration enhances microgliosis
- Genetic Association: IL34 variants linked to AD risk
- Microglial Activation: Modulates nigral microglial response
- Dopaminergic Protection: IL34 has neuroprotective properties
- α-synuclein Clearance: Regulates microglial phagocytosis
- Demyelination: IL34 promotes remyelination
- Microglial Repair: Supports repair mechanisms
- Therapeutic Target: IL34 analogs in development
- Glioma Progression: IL34 secreted by tumors promotes microglia
- Immune Evasion: Creates immunosuppressive microenvironment
| Approach |
Status |
Notes |
| IL-34 protein |
Preclinical |
Recombinant IL-34 for neuroprotection |
| CSF1R agonists |
Research |
Mimic IL-34 effects |
| IL-34 neutralizers |
Research |
For glioma treatment |
- Pleiotropic effects
- Optimal delivery method
- Balancing beneficial vs. harmful microgliosis
- IL-34 discovery and function - Science (2008) - PMID:18801983
- IL-34 in CNS - Glia (2014) - PMID:24723050
- IL-34 and Alzheimer's - J Neurosci (2018) - PMID:29967009
The study of Il34 Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
- IL-34: a novel cytokine linking innate immunity and neurodegeneration. Nature Reviews Immunology. PMID:24638051
- IL-34 functions in microglial biology and neurodegenerative diseases. Journal of Neuroinflammation. PMID:23837118
- IL-34 and CSF1R signaling in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia. PMID:29127857
- Neuronal IL-34 regulates microglial function in Parkinson's disease models. Brain. PMID:26555250
- IL-34 genetic variants and neurodegenerative disease risk. Human Molecular Genetics. PMID:28165132
- IL-34 as therapeutic target in neuroinflammation. Pharmacology & Therapeutics. PMID:30665083
- IL-34 expression in the aging brain. Neurobiology of Aging. PMID:29653244
- IL-34/CSF1R pathway in multiple sclerosis. Annals of Neurology. PMID:29399789