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Published on: January 26, 2019
STAT3 and apoptosis challenges in cancer
Nazanin Fathi1, Golnaz Rashidi2, Ali Khodadadi3
1Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract:
Several studies have processed conceivable evidence for the vital role of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) in cancer transformation and carcinogenesis. Therefore, one of the important factors in formation of cancer is STAT3 and for design of novel anticancer drugs is a suitable target. On the other hand, apoptosis pathway has a critical role in the cancers pathogenesis. Generally, increasing developments have been existed to expression, production, phosphorylation or activation of STAT3 in the effective or responsible cells of most of the cancers. In return, apoptosis process in this cells have been suffered inhibition, decrease in expression, produce or activation in some related factors which lead to debilitation or inhibition of the process. Further understanding of the STAT3 related signaling and apoptosis pathway can lead to the invention of novel approaches for therapies in unstudied disease. In this manuscript, review and highlight recent knowledge of the STAT3 pathway and its connection with apoptosis process in cancers and discuss STAT3-targeting agents to therapeutic developments.
Insights
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is crucial in cancer development and inhibiting apoptosis. Targeting STAT3 offers a promising strategy for novel anticancer drug development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a vital role in cancer transformation and carcinogenesis.
- STAT3 dysregulation, including increased expression and activation, is common in various cancers.
- The apoptosis pathway is critical in cancer pathogenesis, often inhibited in cancerous cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight recent knowledge of the STAT3 pathway and its connection with apoptosis in cancers.
- To discuss STAT3-targeting agents for therapeutic developments.
- To explore novel therapeutic approaches for unstudied diseases by understanding STAT3 signaling and apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on STAT3 signaling.
- Analysis of the relationship between STAT3 and apoptosis pathways in cancer.
- Discussion of STAT3-targeting agents and their therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- STAT3 is frequently activated in cancer cells, correlating with inhibited apoptosis.
- Dysregulation of STAT3 signaling contributes to cancer cell survival and proliferation.
- Targeting STAT3 has shown promise in preclinical cancer models.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay between STAT3 and apoptosis is key to developing effective cancer therapies.
- STAT3 is a viable target for novel anticancer drug design.
- Further research into STAT3-targeting agents could lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
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