title: The JAK-STAT pathway: a therapeutic target in hematological malignancies.
abstract: The development and function of hematopoietic cells depends on complex signaling pathways that are mediated by numerous cytokines and their receptors. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is prominent both in normal hematopoiesis and in hematological malignancies. STATs are phosphorylated on tyrosine residues via JAK kinases and on serine residues by a variety of serine/threonine kinases. STATs then dimerize, translocate to the nucleus and bind DNA, initiating the transcription of target genes. STAT proteins mediate cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, transformation, and other fundamental cell functions. Recently, mutations in the JAK2 gene driving the proliferation of the neoplastic clone have been identified in myeloproliferative disorders. In addition constitutive activation of the JAK-STAT pathway has been reported in various types of leukemias such as acute myelogenous leukemia, T-LGL leukemia, and multiple myeloma. This review describes the pathophysiological role of this pathway in hematological malignancies and the potential benefits of JAK-STAT inhibition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 70230-1402, USA. aferrajo@mdanderson.org
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ferrajoli
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Faderl
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ravandi
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Estrov
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D053612:Janus Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000819:agonists; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D050791:STAT Transcription Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D047495:PPAR gamma; D050791:STAT Transcription Factors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D053612:Janus Kinases