CNTFR/CNTF Complex: Proteins and Enzymes

The high-affinity CNTF receptor complex, which mediates the biological action of CNTF, contains the ligand-binding alpha subunit (CNTF R alpha) and two signal-transducing proteins, LIF R beta and gp130. Whereas LIF R beta and gp130 are widely expressed in many cell types, the expression of CNTF R alpha is restricted to the central and peripheral nervous systems. cDNAs encoding CNTF R alpha isolated from both human and rat share 96% amino acid sequence identity.