STAT3 and neoplasm: In Ripk3−/− mice treated with AOM-DSS, we observed enhanced expression of several known STAT3-dependent genes, including Mmp10, Cox2, Hif1a, Bclxl and cyclin D1, that shape the tumor microenvironment and that contribute to CRC development by modulating apoptosis, angiogenesis and invasiveness of pro-tumorigenic IECs [36, 37].