We found that IL-23R mediated HeLa cell apoptosis by characterizing the functional domains responsible for this event. For exploring apoptotic pathways activated by IL-23R, the altered transcriptomic profiles in responding to IL-23R over-expression was also revealed by RNAseq analysis. Overall design: HeLa cells were transiently transfected with either empty vector pCMV-Myc or pCMV-Myc-IL-23R group. RNA of the transfected cells was extracted and used for transcriptome analysis.