STAT gene expression in canine soft tissue tumours

Abstract

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins play a crucial role in cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response regulation [1]. Aberrant STAT signalling has been extensively studied in human cancers, yet its role in veterinary oncology, particularly in canine soft tissue tumours (STTs), remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the expression profiles of key STAT genes (STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5) in a cohort of canine STTs and assess their potential association with tumour grade, histological subtype, and clinical outcome. Tumour samples were collected from client-owned dogs diagnosed with STTs at veterinary clinics. Gene expression was analysed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and protein localisation was assessed via immunohistochemistry. Preliminary results indicate differential expression patterns of STAT genes across tumour subtypes. Notably, STAT3 was significantly upregulated in high-grade tumours compared with low-grade ones (P < 0.05), suggesting a role in tumour aggressiveness. STAT1 expression showed variability, potentially reflecting its dual role in tumour suppression and immune modulation. STAT5 expression was relatively consistent but appeared elevated in certain sarcoma variants [1, 2]. Our findings support the hypothesis that dysregulated STAT signalling contributes to the pathogenesis of canine STTs. STAT3, in particular, may serve as a prognostic marker or therapeutic target in aggressive tumours. Further investigation is warranted to explore STAT-mediated pathways and their potential for targeted therapy in canine oncology. This study provides a foundation for integrating molecular markers into the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of canine soft tissue tumours, bridging the gap between veterinary and comparative oncology.