What is STAT3 Protein

      In the complex tapestry of cellular signaling, the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) protein emerges as a pivotal player, orchestrating responses to extracellular cues.

      What is STAT3 Protein?

      The STAT3 protein, a member of the STAT protein family, stands as a molecular linchpin translating external signals into cellular responses. Its modular structure includes an oligomerization domain facilitating activation through phosphorylation, a DNA-binding domain crucial for gene regulation, and a transactivation domain for coactivator recruitment.

      The Function of STAT3 Protein

      At its core, STAT3 regulates cell growth, survival, and differentiation. Triggered by cytokines or growth factors binding to cell surface receptors, STAT3 activation involves Janus kinases (JAKs), leading to phosphorylation and subsequent dimerization or tetramerization. This activated form shuttles to the nucleus, where it governs the expression of genes pivotal in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and immune responses.

      STAT3-Related Diseases

      Despite its indispensability, dysregulated STAT3 activation underpins a spectrum of diseases. In cancer, persistent STAT3 activation fuels uncontrolled proliferation and survival. Breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia exemplify this, emphasizing STAT3's role as a potential therapeutic target. Additionally, in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the excessive activation of STAT3 in immune cells exacerbates pathogenesis.

      STAT3 Related Signaling Pathways

      The orchestration of STAT3 activation is governed by a meticulous signaling pathway. External ligands binding to receptors initiate JAK activation, leading to STAT3 phosphorylation. This signaling nexus intersects with various pathways, creating a dynamic network modulating cellular responses to diverse stimuli. Understanding this intricate dance is paramount for unraveling the molecular basis of diseases associated with STAT3 dysregulation.

      Pathways activating JAK–STAT3 signalling in cancer. (Yu, H., et al. 2014)

      Figure 1. Pathways activating JAK–STAT3 signalling in cancer. (Yu, H., et al. 2014)

      Applications of STAT3 in Biomedical Research

      1. Cancer Therapy

      Efforts to harness STAT3 modulation in cancer therapy are underway. Small molecules and biological agents targeting STAT3 activation hold promise in disrupting the signaling pathways propelling uncontrolled cell growth. This approach opens avenues for innovative cancer treatments that directly address the molecular underpinnings of the disease.

      1. Immunotherapy

      The realm of immunotherapy is witnessing exploration into manipulating STAT3 activity. Modulating STAT3 in immune cells has the potential to enhance anti-tumor responses, amplifying the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic strategies like checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T-cell therapies. This represents a paradigm shift in leveraging the immune system against cancer.

      1. Regenerative Medicine

      STAT3's role in cell differentiation and tissue repair positions it as a key player in regenerative medicine. Understanding how STAT3 influences stem cell behavior offers insights into developing regenerative therapies. This has implications not only in repairing damaged tissues but also in addressing a spectrum of diseases and injuries at the cellular level.

      1. Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases

      In the realm of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, targeting STAT3 emerges as a promising avenue. Inhibiting STAT3 activation in immune cells presents a strategic approach to modulate immune responses, potentially alleviating symptoms in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases. This targeted intervention represents a departure from conventional treatments, aiming for precision in immune modulation.

      The STAT3 protein stands as a central player in cellular signaling, influencing diverse biological processes. As our understanding of this protein deepens, so too does the potential for groundbreaking advancements in the field of medicine.

      Recommended Products for STAT3 Protein

      Cat.# Species Product name Source (Host) Tag
      STAT3-1496H Human Recombinant Human STAT3, GST-tagged Sf9 Insect Cell GST
      STAT3-29823TH Human Recombinant Human STAT3, His-tagged E.coli His
      STAT3-2174H Human Recombinant Human STAT3, MYC/DDK-tagged HEK293 Myc/DDK
      STAT3-39228H Human Recombinant Human STAT3, GST-tagged E.coli GST
      STAT3-336H Human Recombinant Human STAT3 protein, His/MBP-tagged E.coli His/MBP
      STAT3-4574HFL Human Recombinant Full Length Human STAT3, Flag-tagged Mamanlian cells Flag
      STAT3-16109M Mouse Recombinant Mouse STAT3 Protein Mammalian Cell His
      Stat3-6170M Mouse Recombinant Mouse Stat3 Protein, Myc/DDK-tagged HEK293T Myc/DDK
      STAT3-5778R Rat Recombinant Rat STAT3 Protein Mammalian Cell His
      STAT3-5437R Rat Recombinant Rat STAT3 Protein, His (Fc)-Avi-tagged HEK293 His (Fc)-Avi

      Reference

      • Yu, H., et al. Revisiting STAT3 signalling in cancer: new and unexpected biological functions. Nat Rev Cancer. 2014, 14, 736–746