STAT3 in medulloblastoma: a key transcriptional regulator and potential therapeutic target

Mol Biol Rep. 2022 Nov;49(11):10635-10652. doi: 10.1007/s11033-022-07694-6. Epub 2022 Jun 18.

Abstract

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood accounting for about 60% of all pediatric embryonal tumors. Despite improvements in the overall survival rate, this tumor still lacks an efficient, reliable, and less toxic therapeutic approach. Characterization of the molecular mechanisms involved in medulloblastoma initiation and progression is a crucial step for the development of effective therapies. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 is a convergence point for several signaling cascades that are implicated in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis. Accumulated evidence has revealed the pivotal role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma pathogenesis such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression as well as maintenance, drug resistance, and recurrence. In this review, we focus on the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in medulloblastoma tumorigenesis and discuss the recent advances of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibition as a promising developed strategy for medulloblastoma therapy.

Keywords: Inhibitors; Medulloblastoma; Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; Signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Medulloblastoma* / genetics
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / genetics

Substances

  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • STAT3 protein, human