Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Salidroside's Molecular Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Treatment
Published on: June 9, 2023
Targeting STAT3 signaling pathway in cancer by agents derived from Mother Nature
Chakrabhavi Dhananjaya Mohan1, Shobith Rangappa2, Habbanakuppe D Preetham3
1Department of Studies in Molecular Biology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006, India.
Abstract:
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are latent transcription factors that reside in the cytoplasm of several types of cells. In canonical signaling, upon stimulation by cytokines and growth factors, STATs get activated and translocate into the nucleus to transcribe target genes. Among STATs, the STAT3 variant has been studied extensively and implicated in diverse human malignancies. Transcriptionally, STAT3 can upregulate the expression of genes associated with cell proliferation, antiapoptosis, prosurvival, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. STAT3 can be constitutively activated in a broad range of human cancers including solid as well as hematological tumors and overexpression of STAT3 has been observed in a wide-range of patient-derived tumor tissue samples that may contribute to dismal prognosis. In contrast, blockade of STAT3 activation using inhibitors or knockdown systems can markedly suppress tumor progression, thus highlighting the significance of abrogating STAT3 signaling cascade in cancer therapy. In this review, we have provided a comprehensive overview of mechanisms of STAT3 signal transduction and its endogenous negative modulators, the role of STAT3 in oncogenesis, the interplay of miRNAs in STAT3 signaling, and mechanisms involved in persistent activation of STAT3. Furthermore, the review also provides a detailed overview of STAT3 signaling inhibition by selected natural compounds, which have displayed potent activity in various preclinical cancer model.
Insights
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is crucial in cancer development and progression. Inhibiting STAT3 signaling shows promise for effective cancer therapy by suppressing tumor growth.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
- Oncology
Background:
- Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins are key regulators of gene expression.
- STAT3 is frequently implicated in human malignancies, promoting cancer cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis.
- Constitutive STAT3 activation is observed across various cancer types, correlating with poor prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of STAT3 signaling in cancer.
- To explore mechanisms of STAT3 activation, negative modulation, and its role in oncogenesis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of inhibiting STAT3 signaling, including natural compounds.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of STAT3 signaling pathways.
- Analysis of STAT3's role in various cancers.
- Overview of negative regulators and miRNA interplay in STAT3 signaling.
- Examination of natural compounds as STAT3 inhibitors.
Main Results:
- STAT3 upregulates genes involved in cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immune evasion.
- STAT3 is constitutively activated in numerous solid and hematological tumors.
- Inhibition of STAT3 signaling effectively suppresses tumor progression in preclinical models.
Conclusions:
- STAT3 is a critical oncogenic driver and a promising therapeutic target in cancer.
- Targeting STAT3 signaling, potentially with natural compounds, offers a viable strategy for cancer treatment.
- Understanding STAT3's complex signaling network is essential for developing effective therapies.
More Related Videos
13:18Network Pharmacology Prediction and Experimental Validation of Trichosanthes-Fritillaria thunbergii Action Mechanism Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: March 3, 2023
10:27Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway