Background：

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 is essential for mediating responses to IL12 in lymphocytes， and regulating the differentiation of T helper cells. Mutations in this gene may be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants that encode the same protein. [provided by RefSeq， Aug 2011]