STAT (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription)

STAT proteins (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) are molecules inside cells that help transmit signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, where DNA is stored. When a specific signal, like a hormone or growth factor, binds to a cell, it activates STAT proteins. These proteins then move into the nucleus and turn on or off genes, influencing cell behavior such as growth, division, or immune responses. They play a key role in how cells respond to their environment and are important in processes like development and immune function.