Signal transducer and transcription activator that mediates cellular responses to interleukins, KITLG/SCF, LEP and other growth factors (PubMed:
10688651, PubMed:
12359225, PubMed:
12873986, PubMed:
15194700, PubMed:
17344214, PubMed:
18242580, PubMed:
23084476). Once activated, recruits coactivators, such as NCOA1 or MED1, to the promoter region of the target gene (PubMed:
17344214). May mediate cellular responses to activated FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 (PubMed:
12873986). Upon activation of IL6ST/gp130 signaling by interleukin-6 (IL6), binds to the IL6-responsive elements identified in the promoters of various acute-phase protein genes (PubMed:
12359225). Activated by IL31 through IL31RA (PubMed:
15194700). Acts as a regulator of inflammatory response by regulating differentiation of naive CD4(+) T-cells into T-helper Th17 or regulatory T-cells (Treg): deacetylation and oxidation of lysine residues by LOXL3, leads to disrupt STAT3 dimerization and inhibit its transcription activity (PubMed:
28065600). Involved in cell cycle regulation by inducing the expression of key genes for the progression from G1 to S phase, such as CCND1 (PubMed:
17344214). Mediates the effects of LEP on melanocortin production, body energy homeostasis and lactation (By similarity). May play an apoptotic role by transctivating BIRC5 expression under LEP activation (PubMed:
18242580). Cytoplasmic STAT3 represses macroautophagy by inhibiting EIF2AK2/PKR activity (PubMed:
23084476). Plays a crucial role in basal beta cell functions, such as regulation of insulin secretion (By similarity).