Molecular insight, expression profile and subcellular localization of two STAT family members, STAT1a and STAT2, from Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica

•The transcription factors AjSTAT1a and AjSTAT2 were identified from Japanese eel.•Like the human STAT1a, AjSTAT1a contains a C-terminal TAD domain.•AjSTAT1a and AjSTAT2 were widely expressed in most examined tissues.•Expression of AjSTAT1a and AjSTAT2 increased upon poly I:C and E. tarda stimulation.•AjSTAT1a and AjSTAT2 were mainly distributed in cytoplasm in EPC cells.