STAT4

The STAT protein 4 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription, or Signal Transduction And transcription, or STAT4) is one STAT family member that specifically mediate signals that emanate from the IL-12 receptors and play a specific role in lymphocyte function. STAT4 was initially cloned as a result of its homology with STAT1 and is widely expressed, although it is only tyrosine- or serine- phosphorylated after stimulation of T cells with interleukin (IL) -12 and IFN-α. STAT4 plays an important role in Th1 immune responses. STAT4 is activated after IL-12 interacts with the IL-12 receptor, including transcription of IFN-λ. Studies has documented the association of a common STAT4 haplotype (tagged by rs7574865) with risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus in both Asian and White populations.

STAT4 Related Areas

Signal Transduction >>Transcription Factor & Regulator >>STAT4

STAT4 Alternative Names

SLEB11 [Homo sapiens]

Chromosome 1, NC_000067.5 (52065088..52164028) [Mus musculus]

Summaries for STAT4

Entrez Gene summary for STAT4:

The protein encoded by STAT4 gene is a member of the STAT family of transcription factors. In response to cytokines and growth factors, STAT family members are phosphorylated by the receptor associated kinases, and then form homo- or heterodimers that translocate to the cell nucleus where they act as transcription activators. This protein is essential for mediating responses to IL12 in lymphocytes, and regulating the differentiation of T helper cells. Mutations in STAT4 gene may be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants that encode the same protein. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011]

OMIM - description for STAT4:

STAT4 is phosphorylated in response to interleukin-12 (see IL12B; ) and is essential for IL12 signal transduction. For further information on STATs, see STAT1 .

Wikipedia summary for STAT4:

STAT4 is a transcription factor belonging to the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription protein family. It is required for the development of Th1 cells from naive CD4+ T cells and IFN-γ production in response to IL-12.

Human STAT4 Protein General Information

 

• Protein names: Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4
  Short name=STAT4
• Sequence length: 748 AA.
• Domain: SH2 domain
• Sequence similarities: Belongs to the transcription factor STAT family.
  Contains 1 SH2 domain.
• Post-translational modification: Tyrosine phosphorylated. Serine phosphorylation is also required for maximal transcriptional activity.
• Subunit structure: Forms a homodimer or a heterodimer with a related family member. Interacts with ARL2BP By similarity. The SH2 domain interacts, in vitro, with IL12RB2 via a short cytoplasmic domain.
• Subcellular location: Cytoplasm. Nucleus. Note: Translocated into the nucleus in response to phosphorylation.
• Involvement in disease: Genetic variations in STAT4 are associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus type 11 (SLEB11) . Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a complex genetic basis. SLE is an inflammatory, and often febrile multisystemic disorder of connective tissue characterized principally by involvement of the skin, joints, kidneys, and serosal membranes. It is thought to represent a failure of the regulatory mechanisms of the autoimmune system.
  Genetic variations in STAT4 are a cause of susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . It is a systemic inflammatory disease with autoimmune features and a complex genetic component. It primarily affects the joints and is characterized by inflammatory changes in the synovial membranes and articular structures, widespread fibrinoid degeneration of the collagen fibers in mesenchymal tissues, and by atrophy and rarefaction of bony structures.

General information above from UniProt

Function for STAT4 Protein

UniProtKB:

STAT4 carries out a dual function: signal transduction and activation of transcription. STAT4 is involved in IL12 signaling.

Genatlas:

• STAT4 mediates responses to IL12 in lymphocytes and regulates the differentiation of T helper cells

Homology for human STAT4

• homolog to murine Stat4