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Role of Jak Kinases and STATs in Cytokine Signal Transduction

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Abstract

The Janus family tyrosine kinase—signal transducer and activator of transcription (Jak-STAT) signaling pathway is broadly used by interferons and type I cytokines. These cytokines and interferons activate Janus family tyrosine kinases (Jak kinases), which in turn phosphorylate and thereby activate STAT proteins. Before activation, STAT proteins are cytosolic proteins; after ssactivation, however, they are translocated to the nucleus where they function as transcription factors. This review summarizes salient features of the Jak-STAT pathway and focuses on the functional role of the different Jak kinases and STATs in vivo.

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  1. Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

    Warren J. Leonard

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Leonard, W.J. Role of Jak Kinases and STATs in Cytokine Signal Transduction. Int J Hematol 73, 271–277 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02981951

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02981951

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