{"symbol":"IL9","synonyms":["HP40","IL-9","P40"],"name":"interleukin 9","description":"The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that acts as a regulator of a variety of hematopoietic cells. This cytokine stimulates cell proliferation and prevents apoptosis. It functions through the interleukin 9 receptor (IL9R), which activates different signal transducer and activator (STAT) proteins and thus connects this cytokine to various biological processes. The gene encoding this cytokine has been identified as a candidate gene for asthma. Genetic studies on a mouse model of asthma demonstrated that this cytokine is a determining factor in the pathogenesis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]","ncbiEntrezGeneId":3578,"ncbiEntrezGeneUrl":"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3578","proteins":[{"symbol":"IL9_HUMAN","href":"/api/1.0/protein/IL9_HUMAN"}],"hgncRootFamilies":[{"name":"Interleukins (IL)","href":"/api/1.0/gene_family/Interleukins+%28IL%29"}]}