The protein encoded by this gene is a signal transducer shared by many cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL6), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and oncostatin M (OSM). This protein functions as a part of the cytokine receptor complex. The activation of this protein is dependent upon the binding of cytokines to their receptors. vIL6, a protein related to IL6 and encoded by the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, can bypass the interleukin 6 receptor (IL6R) and directly activate this protein. Knockout studies in mice suggest that this gene plays a critical role in regulating myocyte apoptosis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described. A related pseudogene has been identified on chromosome 17. [provided by RefSeq, May 2014]
Alternative Names
CD130 antigen gp130 of the rheumatoid arthritis antigenic peptide-bearing soluble form gp130 oncostatin M receptor GP130-RAPS IL-6 receptor subunit beta IL-6R subunit beta IL-6R-beta IL-6RB IL6R-beta interleukin receptor beta chain interleukin-6 signal transducer LIF receptor/IL-6 receptor complex component membrane glycoprotein 130 membrane glycoprotein gp130 oncostatin-M receptor subunit alpha soluble receptor