Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-5: an opportunity for drug development in oncohematology

Oncogene. 2019 Jun;38(24):4657-4668. doi: 10.1038/s41388-019-0752-3. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Abstract

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) are transcription factors that work via JAK/STAT pathway regulating the expression of genes involved in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, development, immune response, and, among other essential biological functions, hematopoiesis. JAK/STAT signaling is strictly regulated under normal physiological conditions. However, a large group of diverse diseases has been associated to an aberrant regulation of STAT factors. Erroneous modulation of the pathway leads to constitutive STAT activation, thereby driving proliferation, inflammation, and an uncontrolled immune response. Deregulated STAT5 activation has been found in the development of many hematopoietic tumors, including chronic and acute leukemias, polycythemia vera, and lymphoma. Mutations in the kinases that phosphorylate STAT5, and/or overexpression of the upstream receptor-associated tyrosine kinases have been suggested as the main drivers of constitutive STAT5 activation. Hyper-activated STAT5 leads to the aberrant expression of its target genes including antiapoptotic, proliferative, and pro-inflammatory genes, favouring tumorigenesis. In this review, we intent to discuss the biology of JAK/STAT pathway, with particular focus on STAT5 and its crucial role in the development and progression of hematologic malignancies. Furthermore, we provide a synopsis of potential therapeutic strategies based on STAT5 activity inhibition that may represent an excellent opportunity for drug development in oncohematology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Development* / trends
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Hematopoiesis / drug effects
  • Hematopoiesis / genetics
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinases / physiology
  • Medical Oncology* / methods
  • Medical Oncology* / trends
  • STAT Transcription Factors / physiology
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor
  • STAT5A protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Janus Kinases