Cancer cell stemness inhibitor (Napabucasin), high-cancer cell inhibitor

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

STAT3 also known as Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 is a transcription factor involved in various cellular activities such as cell growth and survival. It weighs approximately 92 kDa and is expressed in a wide range of tissues including the liver immune cells and the brain. STAT3 becomes activated through phosphorylation in response to cytokine signaling and forms dimers that translocate to the cell nucleus where it binds DNA to regulate gene expression.

Biological function summary

STAT3 plays a role in mediating responses to extracellular stimuli like cytokines and growth factors. It is part of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway complex where it acts as an important regulator of gene expression involved in immune functions cell proliferation and apoptosis. STAT3's ability to modulate these biological functions makes it integral in maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding to environmental changes.

Pathways

STAT3 is essential in the JAK-STAT pathway and the MAPK pathway. It interacts with several proteins such as Janus kinases (JAKs) in response to cytokines which further regulate transcriptional responses. The interplay with proteins like ERK in the MAPK pathway highlights STAT3's versatility in controlling diverse cellular processes from inflammation to growth and development.

STAT3 is implicated in cancer and autoimmune diseases due to its roles in regulating cell proliferation and immune responses. For cancers STAT3 interaction with other oncogenic proteins like BCL-XL contributes to tumor survival and growth. In autoimmune disorders its dysregulation can result in aberrant immune activity. Notably its association with Interferon beta in antiviral responses demonstrates the breadth of its clinical relevance.