JAK/STAT – Emerging Players in Metabolism. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dodington, David W.; Desai, Harsh R.; Woo, Minna
• Is Part Of: Trends in endocrinology and metabolism. Volume 29:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: JAK -- STAT -- metabolism -- obesity -- diabetes; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Metabolism -- Periodicals; Metabolism; 616.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2017.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-2760

Abstract

Abstract : The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is crucial for transducing signals from a variety of metabolically relevant hormones and cytokines including growth hormone, leptin, erythropoietin, IL4, IL6 and IFNγ. A growing body of evidence suggests that this pathway is dysregulated in the context of obesity and metabolic disease. Recent development of animal models has been instrumental in identifying the role of JAK/STAT signaling in the peripheral metabolic organs including adipose, liver, muscle, pancreas, and the immune system. In this review we summarize current knowledge about the function of JAK/STAT proteins in the regulation of metabolism, and highlight new potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Trends: The JAK/STAT signaling pathway serves as an important downstream mediator for a variety of cytokines, hormones, and growth factors. Emerging data show that this pathway is dysregulated in metabolic diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes. With the use of tissue-specific knockout mice, JAK/STAT signaling in the peripheral metabolic organs has been shown to regulate a multitude of metabolic processes including, but not limited to, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, energy expenditure, and adiposity. JAK/STAT signaling within immune cells crucially regulates inflammation that is associated with metabolic abnormalities including insulin resistance and obesity. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.