The role of JAK–STAT signaling in adipose tissue function

Abstract

Adipocytes play important roles in lipid storage, energy homeostasis and whole body insulin sensitivity. The JAK-STAT pathway mediates a variety of physiological processes including development, hematopoiesis, and inflammation. Although the JAK-STAT signaling pathway occurs in all cells, this pathway can mediate cell specific responses. Studies in the last two decades have identified hormones and cytokines that activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. These cytokines and hormones have profound effects on adipocytes. The content of this review will introduce the types of adipocytes and immune cells that make up adipose tissue, the impact of obesity on adipose cellular composition and function, and the general constituents of the JAK-STAT pathway and how its activators regulate adipose tissue development and physiology. A summary of the identification of STAT target genes in adipocytes reveals how these transcription factors impact various areas of adipocyte metabolism including insulin action, modulation of lipid stores, and glucose homeostasis. Lastly, we will evaluate exciting new data linking the JAK-STAT pathway and brown adipose tissue and consider the future outlook in this area of investigation.

Letrozole vs estradiol valerate induced PCOS in rats: glycemic, oxidative and inflammatory status assessment

“…Which other factors are involved in the expression of MCP1 in the POAT following estradiol administration? It is known that STAT3 is both an important transcription factor that controls adipose tissue (Richard & Stephens 2014) and reproductive functions (Robker et al 2014). Also, its interaction with the NFKB inflammatory pathway was documented (Sarkö zi et al 2015).…”

Jak-TGFβ cross-talk links transient adipose tissue inflammation to beige adipogenesis

“…The Janus kinase (Jak) family of receptor-associated tyrosine kinases (Jak1, Jak2, Jak3, and Tyk2) act as primary transducers of multiple cytokine receptors and mediate many of their effects through the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) family of transcription factors (13). The Jak/Stat pathway is also involved in adipocyte differentiation [reviewed in (14)]. However, our knowledge on physiologically relevant upstream activators impinging on progenitor cells and downstream effectors in adipose tissue is limited.…”

Novel genetic variants associated with mRNA expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) gene significantly affected goat growth traits

“…Knocking out the STAT3 gene causes early embryonic death (Ohkubo et al, 2013). Since STAT3 is critical for epithelial cell apoptosis, post lactating mammary gland development, skin reconstructed, keratinocyte migration, and macrophage inactivation (Gober et al, 2012), it could directly affect growth traits via stimulating the expression of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH), making it an ideal candidate gene for goat breeding and genetics (Richard and Stephens, 2014).…”