STAT3 and prostatitis: In the scheme, we also highlight those miRNAs that we previously identified as USP2a targets, such as let-7, miR-98 and miR-17-5p.19 According to published evidence, they are known to interfere with the expression of specific targets (BIM, IL-6/STAT3, HMGA2 and Bcl-2), specifically involved in the apoptotic response to pro-oxidant agents and antineoplastic drugs.58, 59, 60 In our hypothesis, prostate chemo-resistance might be regulated by USP2a through multiple pathways, according to the dose and the nature of the stressor.