Association of Stat3 with HSF1 plays a critical role in G-CSF-induced cardio-protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury

► HSF1 plays a key role in G-CSF-induced cardiac protection against I/R. ► G-CSF induced interaction of Stat3 with HSF1 on cardiomyocytes following I/R. ► Inhibitor of Stat3 or HSF1 partly abolished the anti-apoptotic effects of G-CSF.