This is a crucial paper that provides the “duality” argument. It demonstrates a protective/reparative role for STAT3 in a highly relevant context (CAD). The study found that in EPCs, STAT3 activation is essential for driving VEGFA-mediated angiogenesis in response to ischemic/acidic signals. Impaired STAT3 activation in cells from CAD patients correlated with poor angiogenic capacity. This is direct evidence that proper STAT3 function is necessary for vascular repair, countering the narrative that it is purely pathological. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is coronary artery disorder.