Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) in hematopoietic cells

Abstract

Hematopoietic cell growth and differentiation are controlled by a number of cytokines. Ligand stimulation induces rapid phosphorylation of the tyrosine residues of the cytokine receptor and a variety of cellular molecules. Among them, Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) have recently been found to play a unique role in cytokine receptor-mediated intracellular signaling and hematopoietic cell development. Abnormal signaling of the JAK-STAT pathway results in hematopoietic disorders, including severe combined immunodeficiency and leukemia.