Disease	Score

Substances	Interaction	Organism	Category

Substances	Interaction	Organism	Category

The STAT4 gene provides encodes a protein that acts as a transcription factor. The STAT4 protein is activated by cytokines, which are part of the inflammatory response to fight infection. It tells  immune cells to get rid of foreign invaders in the cell (R).

Mutations of this gene can cause arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders (R).

     juvenile idiopathic arthritis Genetics Home Reference provides information about juvenile idiopathic arthritis. rheumatoid arthritis Genetics Home Reference provides information about rheumatoid arthritis. systemic lupus erythematosus Genetics Home Reference provides information about systemic lupus erythematosus. systemic scleroderma A normal variation in the STAT4 gene has been associated with an increased risk of developing systemic scleroderma, which is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the buildup of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the skin and internal organs. Although the STAT4 gene is known to stimulate the immune system in response to pathogens, it is unknown how the gene variation contributes to the increased risk of systemic scleroderma. Researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role in development of the condition. autoimmune disorders Studies have associated a normal variation in the STAT4 gene with an increased risk of several autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's tissues and organs. These disorders include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren syndrome. The variant associated with increased risk of autoimmune disorders changes a single DNA building block (nucleotide) in the STAT4 gene. It is unknown how the gene variation contributes to increased risk of these conditions. Researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role in development of autoimmunity.

     The STAT4 gene provides instructions for a protein that acts as a transcription factor, which means that it attaches (binds) to specific regions of DNA and helps control the activity of certain genes. The STAT4 protein is turned on (activated) by immune system proteins called cytokines, which are part of the inflammatory response to fight infection. When activated, the STAT4 protein increases the activity of genes that help immune cells called T-cells mature into specialized T-cells. These specialized T-cells, called Th1 cells, produce specific cytokines and stimulate other immune cells to get rid of foreign invaders (pathogens) in the cell.

Condition	Change (log2fold)	Comparison	Species	Experimental variables	Experiment name

Condition	Change (log2fold)	Comparison	Species	Experimental variables	Experiment name

The following transcription factors affect gene expression:

• CREB
• deltaCREB
• GR
• GR-alpha
• GR-beta
• Sp1
• GATA-3
• STAT5B
• CUTL1
• IRF-1

Molecular Function:

• Rna Polymerase Ii Regulatory Region Sequence-Specific Dna Binding
• Dna Binding
• Transcription Factor Activity, Sequence-Specific Dna Binding

Biological Processes:

• Transcription, Dna-Templated
• Jak-Stat Cascade

*synonyms