信号转导与转录激活因子4的生物学行为及其在动脉粥样硬化形成中的作用

The Biological Behaviors of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4 and Its Role in the Process of Atherogenesis

信号转导与转录激活因子4是信号转导与转录激活因子蛋白家族中的一员,它们是一类有着共同结构特点的转录因子蛋白。作为细胞内信号传导分子,信号转导与转录激活因子4参与了机体各类生理和病理过程,包括细胞分化、炎症反应等。近来有研究结果提示,信号转导与转录激活因子4也通过影响固有和获得性免疫反应、平滑肌细胞分布等参与到动脉粥样硬化的进程中,因而,研究信号转导与转录激活因子4在免疫细胞分化和炎症反应中的作用和分子机制可以为阐明动脉粥样硬化的发生机制提供新的思路。

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4（ STAT4） is one of the signal transducer and activator of transcription（ STAT） protein family which share common structural features. As an intracellular signal transducer,STAT4 involves in cellular differentiation,inflammation and other physiological or pathological process. Some recent studies suggest that STAT4 influence innate and adaptive immunity as well as the distribution of arterial smooth muscle cells in the process of atherogenesis. Therefore,extensive researches are necessary in revealing underlying mechanisms of STAT4＇s role in the process of atherogenesis.