Role of the JAK-STAT Pathway in Bovine Mastitis and Milk Production

• Main Authors: Muhammad Zahoor Khan, Adnan Khan, Jianxin Xiao, Yulin Ma, Jiaying Ma, Jian Gao, Zhijun Cao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
• Series: Animals
• Subjects: bovine mastitis; JAK-STAT pathway; <i>JAK2</i>; <i>STATs</i>; <i>SOCS3</i>; immunity
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/11/2107

The cytokine-activated Janus kinase (JAK)—signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is a sequence of communications between proteins in a cell, and it is associated with various processes such as cell division, apoptosis, mammary gland development, lactation, anti-inflammation, and immunity. The pathway is involved in transferring information from receptors on the cell surface to the cell nucleus, resulting in the regulation of genes through transcription. The Janus kinase 2 (<i>JAK2</i>), signal transducer and activator of transcription A and B (STAT5 A & B), STAT1, and cytokine signaling suppressor 3 (<i>SOCS3</i>) are the key members of the JAK-STAT pathway. Interestingly, prolactin (Prl) also uses the JAK-STAT pathway to regulate milk production traits in dairy cattle. The activation of <i>JAK2</i> and <i>STATs</i> genes has a critical role in milk production and mastitis resistance. The upregulation of <i>SOCS3</i> in bovine mammary epithelial cells inhibits the activation of <i>JAK2</i> and <i>STATs</i> genes, which promotes mastitis development and reduces the lactational performance of dairy cattle. In the current review, we highlight the recent development in the knowledge of JAK-STAT, which will enhance our ability to devise therapeutic strategies for bovine mastitis control. Furthermore, the review also explores the role of the JAK-STAT pathway in the regulation of milk production in dairy cattle.