KLF4
Description
The KLF4 (KLF transcription factor 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 9.
KLF4, also known as gut-enriched Krüppel-like factor (GKLF), is a transcription factor belonging to the KLF family of zinc finger transcription factors. It is involved in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and somatic cell reprogramming. KLF4 has been suggested to act as a tumor suppressor in certain cancers, including colorectal cancer. It possesses three C2H2-zinc fingers at its carboxyl terminus and two nuclear localization sequences, directing its localization to the nucleus. In embryonic stem cells (ESCs), KLF4 serves as a marker for stem-like capacity, and a similar role is suggested for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The protein, consisting of 513 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of approximately 55kDa, is encoded by the KLF4 gene. The gene is conserved across various species, including chimpanzee, rhesus monkey, dog, cow, mouse, rat, chicken, zebrafish, and frog. KLF4 was first identified in 1996.
KLF4 is a transcription factor that can act as both an activator and a repressor of gene expression. It binds to the 5'-CACCC-3' core sequence in DNA and can activate its own transcription by binding to its own promoter region. KLF4 regulates the expression of key transcription factors during embryonic development, plays a crucial role in maintaining embryonic stem cells and preventing their differentiation, is required for establishing the skin's barrier function and for postnatal maturation and maintenance of the ocular surface, is involved in epithelial cell differentiation, and may also contribute to skeletal and kidney development. KLF4 also down-regulates the p53/TP53 transcription.
KLF4 is also known as EZF, GKLF.
