Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Time-resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Assays for Measurement of Endogenous Phosphorylated STAT Proteins in Human Cells
Published on: September 9, 2021
The Jak-STAT pathway stimulated by interleukin 6
1Department of Medicine, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Research Institute, IL 60208, USA. curt.horvath@mssm.edu <curt.horvath@mssm.edu>
Abstract:
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is widely expressed and activated by a variety of growth-regulating signals as well as diverse cytokines that use gp130 signaling receptors. STAT3 is critical for embryonic development and stem cell biology, as well as inflammation, growth regulation, and multiple immune regulatory and homeostatic functions. The animation shows activation of STAT3 in response to interleukin 6 (IL6), a cytokine involved in triggering inflammation.
Insights
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is crucial for development and immune functions. Interleukin 6 (IL6) activates STAT3, highlighting its role in inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Immunology
Background:
- Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is broadly expressed.
- STAT3 activation is triggered by growth signals and cytokines utilizing gp130 receptors.
- STAT3 plays essential roles in embryonic development, stem cell biology, inflammation, and immune homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the activation pathway of STAT3.
- To demonstrate the role of Interleukin 6 (IL6) in STAT3 activation.
- To highlight STAT3's involvement in inflammatory processes.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized an animation to visualize molecular processes.
- The animation depicts the signaling cascade initiated by Interleukin 6 (IL6).
Main Results:
- The animation visually represents the activation of STAT3.
- The process shown involves the cytokine Interleukin 6 (IL6) binding to its receptor.
- This leads to the activation of STAT3, a key signaling molecule.
Conclusions:
- STAT3 is a critical signaling pathway activated by cytokines like IL6.
- The activation of STAT3 is integral to inflammatory responses.
- Understanding STAT3 activation is key to comprehending immune regulation and development.
Related Concept Videos
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
MAPK Signaling Cascades
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway