The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the STAT family of transcription factors. 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 plays a central role in exerting IL4 mediated biological responses. It is found to induce the expression of BCL2L1/BCL-X (L) , which is responsible for the anti-apoptotic activity of IL4. Knockout studies in mice suggested the roles of this gene in differentiation of T helper 2 (Th2) cells , expression of cell surface markers , and class switch of immunoglobulins. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.[provided by RefSeq , May 2010] ,
展开内容