Final answer:
The JAK-STAT pathway is a signaling pathway involved in cell communication and regulation of gene expression. It involves the activation of Janus Kinases (JAKs) and the subsequent phosphorylation and activation of STAT proteins. These activated STAT proteins then modulate gene transcription.
Step-by-step explanation:
The JAK-STAT pathway stands for Janus Kinase - Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription. It is a signaling pathway that plays a critical role in cell communication and regulation of gene expression. In this pathway, activated Janus Kinases (JAKs) phosphorylate and activate STAT proteins, which then translocate to the nucleus and modulate gene transcription.
For example, when a cytokine binds to its receptor on the cell surface, it activates JAKs, which in turn phosphorylate STAT proteins. These phosphorylated STAT proteins then form dimers and translocate to the nucleus, where they bind to specific DNA sequences and regulate the expression of target genes.