The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (Jak-Stat
) pathway stands as a paradigm of how diverse extracellular signals can eli
cit rapid changes in gene expression in specific target cells. This pathway
is widely used by members of the cytokine receptor superfamily, including
those for the clinically important cytokines granulocyte colony-stimulating
factor (G-CSF), erythropoietin, thrombopoietin, the interferons, and numer
ous interleukins, which makes it central to hematopoietic cell biology and
hematologic therapy alike. Indeed, study of the Jak-Stat pathway has provid
ed a wealth of information on hematopoiesis and hematopoietic disease, and
conversely, studies of hematopoietic disorders have yielded new insights in
to the functions of Jaks and Stats. This review aims to detail the role of
the Jak-Stat pathway in the normal development and function of hematopoieti
c cells and to describe how several hematopoietic disorders are caused, at
least in part, by perturbations of this pathway.