A role for transcription factor STAT3 signaling in oncogene smoothened-driven carcinogenesis

Abstract

Background: Activated Hh signaling drives skin cancer development. Results: Activated Hh signaling in mice increases IL-11, IL-11Ra, and STAT3 phosphorylation. STAT3 or IL-11Ra knockout reduces SmoM2-mediated carcinogenesis. The Smo agonist alone induces STAT3 phosphorylation in an IL11Ra-dependent manner. Conclusion: The IL-11Ra/STAT3 signaling axis is required for Hh-mediated carcinogenesis. Significance: This is the first report to link STAT3 signaling to Hh-mediated carcinogenesis. © 2012 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.