JAK-STAT Signalling Overview

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the JAK-STAT signalling pathway and its implications in cellular processes and disease.

JAK-STAT Signalling Pathway

The principal signaling mechanism for various cytokines, transmitting information from extracellular cytokines to the nucleus, leading to DNA transcription and gene expression.

Janus

The Roman god of beginnings and endings, depicted with two faces, symbolizing the ability to look to the past and the future.

Janus Kinases (JAKs)

A family of proteins characterized by a C-terminal domain, a pseudokinase domain, and their roles in receptor binding and signaling.

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)

A family of proteins that dimerize and translocate to the nucleus to activate gene transcription.

Cytokines

Small proteins important in cell signaling that can influence growth, differentiation, and immune responses.

Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS)

Proteins that inhibit cytokine signaling pathways, contributing to the regulation of the immune response.

Autophosphorylation

A process whereby a kinase phosphorylates itself, leading to its own activation.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, such as a protein, which often alters the function or activity of that protein.

Dimerization

The process by which two monomers (such as proteins) bind together, often essential for their function.

Point Mutations

Alterations of a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence that can affect protein function or activity.

Transcription Factor

A protein that influences the transcription of specific genes, often by binding to nearby DNA.

Regulatory Proteins

Proteins that can increase or decrease the expression of genes, aiding in the control of cellular processes.

Pharmacological Targets

Specific molecules within pathways that can be targeted by drugs to alter biological outcomes.

Oncogenic Alterations

Genetic changes associated with cancer that can involve mutations in JAK and STAT pathways, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

Peptidomimetics

Molecules mimicking peptide structures, used to disrupt STAT functions by binding to their domains.

JAK Inhibitors

Drugs that target Janus Kinases to inhibit their activity for therapeutic purposes, particularly in autoimmune diseases and cancers.