GenAge entry for IL6 (Homo sapiens)

Gene name (HAGRID: 0144)

Potential relevance to the human ageing process

Entry selected based on indirect or inconclusive evidence linking the gene product to ageing in humans or in one or more model systems

IL6 is involved in a variety of processes such as development, differentiation, and inflammation [0720]. Mice without IL6 have a defective hepatocyte regeneration and develop liver failure [0721]. Transgenic mice expressing high levels of IL6 have a reduced growth rate and low levels of IGF1 [0722]. Its levels appear to increase with age, possibly associating IL6 with age-related changes, such as chronic inflammatory diseases [0717]. Polymorphisms in the human IL6 gene have been linked to age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases [1050], though they have not been associated with longevity [0221]. A role for IL6 in human ageing is plausible though largely obscure.

Cytogenetic information

Display region using the UCSC Genome Browser

Protein information

GO:0006953; acute-phase response; Process
GO:0042832; defense response to protozoan; Process
GO:0045079; negative regulation of chemokine biosynthetic process; Process
GO:0045630; positive regulation of T-helper 2 cell differentiation; Process
GO:0046888; negative regulation of hormone secretion; Process

GO:0005125; cytokine activity; Function
GO:0005515; protein binding; Function

Protein-protein interactions

Display interactions using the IGD

Retrieve sequences for IL6

Homologues in model organisms

HomoloGene (502)

Selected references

[1897] Pfluger et al. (2008), Sirt1 protects against high-fat diet-induced metabolic damage, PubMed
[1785] Maggio et al. (2006), Interleukin-6 in aging and chronic disease: a magnificent pathway, PubMed
[1782] Wang et al. (2006), Adipocytokines and lipid levels in Ames dwarf and calorie-restricted mice, PubMed
[1642] Orellana et al. (2005), Role of the JAKs/STATs pathway in the intracellular calcium changes induced by interleukin-6 in hippocampal neurons, PubMed
[1641] Friedman et al. (2005), Social relationships, sleep quality, and interleukin-6 in aging women, PubMed
[1308] Walston et al. (2005), IL-6 gene variation is not associated with increased serum levels of IL-6, muscle, weakness, or frailty in older women, PubMed
[1266] Franceschi et al. (2005), Genes involved in immune response/inflammation, IGF1/insulin pathway and response to oxidative stress play a major role in the genetics of human longevity: the lesson of centenarians, PubMed
[0704] Lukiw (2004), Gene expression profiling in fetal, aged, and Alzheimer hippocampus: a continuum of stress-related signaling, PubMed
[1065] Christiansen et al. (2004), Modest implication of interleukin-6 promoter polymorphisms in longevity, PubMed
[1050] Bruunsgaard et al. (2004), The IL-6 -174G>C polymorphism is associated with cardiovascular diseases and mortality in 80-year-old humans, PubMed
[0222] Ross et al. (2003), Study of age-association with cytokine gene polymorphisms in an aged Irish population, PubMed
[1240] Weaver et al. (2002), Interleukin-6 and risk of cognitive decline: MacArthur studies of successful aging, PubMed
[0221] Wang et al. (2001), Lack of association between human longevity and polymorphisms of IL-1 cluster, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-alpha genes in Finnish nonagenarians, PubMed
[0262] Zhang et al. (2001), Hydrogen peroxide activates NFkappaB and the interleukin-6 promoter through NFkappaB-inducing kinase, PubMed
[0714] Wallenius et al. (2001), Retarded liver growth in interleukin-6-deficient and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1-deficient mice, PubMed
[0715] Mascarucci et al. (2001), Age-related changes in cytokine production by leukocytes in rhesus monkeys, PubMed
[0716] Beharka et al. (2001), Interleukin-6 production does not increase with age, PubMed
[0717] Ershler and Keller (2000), Age-associated increased interleukin-6 gene expression, late-life diseases, and frailty, PubMed
[0718] James et al. (1997), IL-6, DHEA and the ageing process, PubMed
[0722] De Benedetti et al. (1997), Interleukin 6 causes growth impairment in transgenic mice through a decrease in insulin-like growth factor-I, PubMed
[0719] Prechel et al. (1996), Increased interleukin-6 production by cerebral cortical tissue of adult versus young mice, PubMed
[0721] Cressman et al. (1996), Liver failure and defective hepatocyte regeneration in interleukin-6-deficient mice, PubMed
[0720] Ershler (1993), Interleukin-6: a cytokine for gerontologists, PubMed

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External links