Overview:

STAT3 is a member of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) family of proteins that carry out dual functions. STAT3 is a DNA binding protein that is widely expressed and becomes activated upon phosphorylation on Tyr708, which leads dimerization, intracellular translocation and DNA-binding. Phosphorylation at Ser727 regulates transcriptional activity. STAT3 is activated in response to variety of stimuli, which includes EGF, IL-6, PDGF, IL-2 and G-CSF (1). STAT3 forms homo- and hetero-dimers with other STAT proteins to modulate the transcription of various genes (2).

References:

1. Zhong, Z. et al: Stat3: a STAT family member activated by tyrosine phosphorylation in response to epidermal growth factor and interleukin-6. Science. 1994 Apr 1;264(5155):95-8. 2. Tian, S. S. et al: Rapid activation of the STAT3 transcription factor by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Blood. 1994 Sep 15;84(6):1760.