The Regulation Of Stat3 And Its Role In The Adhesion And Migration Of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Cells

The bone marrow and lymph node microenvironments are important in promoting cell proliferation, survival and protection from drug induced apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Chemokine networks, such as the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis, in combination with selectins, such as CD62L and integrins allow the migration of CLL cells to these protective niches. The B-cell receptor (BCR) signalling pathway is the most important pathway involved in micro-environmental crosstalk and CLL cell survival. Further, it has been shown to interact with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling pathway. The role of the STAT3 in CLL pathogenesis is unclear; however, it is constitutively phosphorylated on serine residue 727 (serine pSTAT3) in CLL cells.