STAT3 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) is central JAK-STAT-family transcription factor transducing cytokine- and growth-factor-derived signals to control proliferation, survival, inflammation, EMT and stem-cell homeostasis. In resting cells STAT3 resides in cytosol. Cytokine-receptor-triggered JAK activity induces Tyr705 phosphorylation, STAT3 dimerization and nuclear translocation for target-gene transcription. Ser727 phosphorylation modulates mitochondrial functions. STAT3 supports physiological homeostasis while exerting potent oncogenic effects; constitutive STAT3 activation is frequently observed in solid and haematological tumours.