The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the STAT
protein family. 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 can be activated by various ligands including
interferon-alpha, interferon-gamma, EGF, PDGF and IL6. This protein
mediates the expression of a variety of genes, which is thought to
be important for cell viability in response to different cell
stimuli and pathogens. Two alternatively spliced transcript
variants encoding distinct isoforms have been described. [provided
by RefSeq].
