Transcriptional stimulation of the surfactant protein B gene by STAT3 in respiratory epithelial cells

The function of the lung is dependent upon differentiation and proliferation of respiratory epithelial cells and the synthesis/secretion of surfactant lipids and proteins into air space. During the respiratory inflammatory response, cytokines produced by macrophages and epithelial cells in the respiratory system have significant influence on surfactant protein homeostasis. We report here that among family members of Janus family tyrosine kinase (JAK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), only JAK 1 and STAT3 stimulated the -500 to +41 promoter activity of the surfactant protein B (SP-B) gene in respiratory epithelial cells. JAK1 and STAT3 were co-localized in alveolar type II epithelial cells where SP-B is synthesized and secreted. Interleukin 6 and interleukin 11, known to activate STAT3 synergistically, stimulated the SP-B promoter activity with retinoic acid, which is at least partially mediated through interactions between STAT3 and retinoid nuclear receptor enhanceosome proteins in pulmonary epithelial cells.