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Multi-functional roles of Stat3 revealed by conditional gene targeting
1Department of Host Defense, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan. ktakeda@biken.osaka-u.ac.jp
Archivum Immunologiae Et Therapiae Experimentalis
|December 1, 2001
Summary
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is crucial for embryonic development. Conditional gene targeting in adult mice revealed STAT3
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are key mediators of cytokine signaling.
- STAT family members play critical roles in biological responses.
- Complete Stat3 deficiency in mice results in embryonic lethality, precluding studies in adult tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in adult mouse tissues.
- To overcome the embryonic lethality associated with Stat3 deficiency.
- To analyze STAT3 functions in specific cell types and organs.
Main Methods:
- Conditional gene targeting using the Cre-loxP system in mice.
- Generation of Stat3-deficient mice in specific tissues (T cells, macrophages, skin, mammary gland).
- Analysis of biological functions in Stat3-mutant mice.
Main Results:
- Stat3 deficiency was successfully achieved in various adult tissues without causing embryonic lethality.
- Stat3 plays essential roles in the biological functions of T cells.
- Stat3 is critical for macrophage function, skin development, and mammary gland biology.
Conclusions:
- Conditional gene targeting is a viable strategy to study essential genes in adult organisms.
- STAT3 is indispensable for multiple cytokine-mediated functions in adult mouse tissues.
- STAT3 is a critical regulator of immune responses, tissue homeostasis, and development.