STAT2

STAT2 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the STAT2 gene. It is a member of the STAT protein family and plays a crucial role in cellular responses to interferon type I.

Function

STAT2 protein is a transcriptional activator that is vital for the cellular responses to interferon type I (IFN-alpha and IFN-beta). After the binding of type I interferons to receptors, the JAK kinase family is activated, leading to the phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2. The phosphorylated STATs then form a complex with IRF9 to create the ISGF3 transcription factor, which binds to the IFN stimulated response element (ISRE) to activate the transcription of interferon stimulated genes.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the STAT2 gene have been associated with susceptibility to mycobacterial and viral infections. In addition, STAT2 has been identified as a key player in the antiviral responses of cells, particularly in the context of Hepatitis C and Zika virus infections.

Interactions

STAT2 has been shown to interact with:

• STAT1
• IRF9
• CREB-binding protein
• Ep300

External links

• STAT2 at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)