KDM3A histone demethylase functions as an essential factor for activation of JAK2−STAT3 signaling pathway

Abstract

Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway is essential for modulating cellular development, differentiation, and homeostasis. Thus, dysregulation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway is frequently associated with human malignancies. Here, we provide evidence that lysine-specific demethylase 3A (KDM3A) functions as an essential epigenetic enzyme for the activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway. KDM3A is tyrosine-phosphorylated by JAK2 in the nucleus and functions as a STAT3-dependent transcriptional coactivator. JAK2-KDM3A signaling cascade induced by IL-6 leads to alteration of histone H3K9 methylation as a predominant epigenetic event, thereby providing the functional and mechanistic link between activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway and its epigenetic control. Together, our findings demonstrate that inhibition of KDM3A phosphorylation could be a potent therapeutic strategy to control oncogenic effect of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway.