Targeting Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 for Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Treatment with Natural Products
Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) a transcription factor, plays key role in regulating the signal transduction events mediated by cytokines and growth factors. STAT3 is involved in many activities including survival, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Persistent activation of STAT3 has been demonstrated to be closely correlated to tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Recent studies indicate that treatment with STAT3 inhibitor or silencing the expression of STAT3 can significantly reduce the progression/incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) partly through regulating inflammation. Therefore, STAT3 offers a promising therapy. This review evaluates the evidence linking STAT3 with CRC development and analyzes the molecular mechanisms involved, specifically focusing on discussing the roles of natural products or herbal medicines on CRC progression by targeting STAT3. STAT3 activity suppresses tumor development and progression in part by regulating inflammation.