STATproteinerne

STATproteinerne, or Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription proteins, are a family of transcription factors that play a crucial role in cellular signaling pathways. They are essential for mediating the cellular response to a wide variety of cytokines and growth factors. These proteins are activated by phosphorylation, typically by receptor tyrosine kinases or Janus kinases (JAKs), which are often associated with cytokine receptors.

Once phosphorylated, STAT proteins dimerize and translocate to the cell nucleus. In the nucleus, they bind to specific DNA sequences, known as gamma-activated sites (GAS), and regulate the transcription of target genes. This gene regulation can influence a broad range of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses.

There are seven known STAT proteins in mammals: STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5A, STAT5B, and STAT6. Each STAT protein has a unique role and is activated by different signaling molecules. For instance, STAT1 is primarily involved in antiviral and immune responses, while STAT3 is crucial for cell survival and proliferation. Dysregulation of STAT signaling pathways has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory conditions, making them important targets for therapeutic intervention.