BNIP3 and glioblastoma: Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), a mitochondria-related protein, has been suggested to be involved in the ConA-induced autophagic cell death of hepatoma cells.24 Furthermore, a recent study showed that ConA triggers BNIP3-mediated autophagy via the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in mesenchymal stromal cells and glioblastoma cells.44, 45 In addition, STAT3 is activated through the phosphorylation of tyrosine 705 in response to several cytokines.