The Janus kinases (JAKs) are major activators of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, and this signalling axis is crucial for cancer development in both tumour cells and the tumour microenvironment. This Review discusses the new roles of JAK–STAT signalling in promoting cancer through inflammation, obesity, stem cells and the pre-metastatic niche, and the potential therapeutic strategies that these roles can offer.
- Hua Yu
- Heehyoung Lee
- Richard Jove