STAT3 Prevents Neurodegeneration (IMAGE) Rockefeller University Press Caption A JCB study shows how the protein CNTF activates the transcription factor STAT3 (green), which lingers in the axon (blue) and helps stabilize microtubules by inhibiting a protein called stathmin (magenta). STAT3 and stathmin colocalize in axonal branch points (arrowheads) and growth cones (arrow). Credit Selvaraj, B.T., et al. 2012. <em>J. Cell Biol.</em> doi:10.1083/jcb.201203109 Usage Restrictions Reporters may freely use these materials in news coverage, with the appropriate credit information. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.