KLF4: Difference between revisions

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'''KLF4''' (Kruppel-like factor 4) is a [[transcription factor]] that plays a crucial role in regulating [[gene expression]] within cells. It is encoded by the KLF4 gene in humans.


== Function ==
{{Infobox gene
| name = KLF4
| image = <!-- Image removed -->
| caption = <!-- Caption removed -->
| HGNCid = 6348
| symbol = KLF4
| altSymbols = GKLF
| EntrezGene = 9314
| OMIM = 602253
| RefSeq = NM_004235
| UniProt = O43474
| chromosome = 9
| arm = q
| band = 31
}}


KLF4 is a member of the [[Kruppel-like factor]] family of transcription factors, which are characterized by a DNA-binding domain of three C2H2-type [[zinc fingers]]. KLF4 is involved in various cellular processes, including [[cell differentiation]], [[cell growth]], [[apoptosis]], [[cell cycle]] regulation, and [[stem cell]] maintenance.
'''KLF4''' (Kruppel-like factor 4) is a [[transcription factor]] that plays a critical role in regulating [[cell differentiation]], [[proliferation]], and [[apoptosis]]. It is a member of the [[Kruppel-like factor]] family of transcription factors, which are characterized by their [[zinc finger]] domains.


== Role in Stem Cells ==
== Function ==
 
KLF4 is involved in the regulation of [[gene expression]] in various biological processes. It is known to act as both a transcriptional activator and repressor, depending on the context of the target gene and the presence of other cofactors. KLF4 is crucial in maintaining [[stem cell]] pluripotency and is one of the four factors used to generate [[induced pluripotent stem cells]] (iPSCs).
KLF4 is one of the four [[Yamanaka factors]] (along with [[Oct4]], [[Sox2]], and [[c-Myc]]), which are essential for inducing [[pluripotency]] in somatic cells. This process, known as [[cellular reprogramming]], allows differentiated cells to revert to a stem cell-like state, capable of differentiating into any cell type in the body.
 
== Role in Cancer ==


Abnormal expression of KLF4 has been associated with several types of [[cancer]], including [[breast cancer]], [[gastric cancer]], and [[colorectal cancer]]. In some cases, KLF4 acts as a [[tumor suppressor]], inhibiting tumor growth and progression. In other cases, it can promote tumor development and progression, acting as an [[oncogene]].
== Role in Development ==
During [[embryonic development]], KLF4 is essential for the proper formation of the [[skin]] and [[gastrointestinal tract]]. It regulates the expression of genes involved in [[epithelial cell]] differentiation and barrier function.


== Clinical Significance ==
== Clinical Significance ==
KLF4 has been implicated in various [[cancers]], including [[colorectal cancer]], [[breast cancer]], and [[gastric cancer]]. Its role in cancer is complex, as it can function as either a [[tumor suppressor]] or an [[oncogene]] depending on the cellular context. In some cancers, KLF4 expression is downregulated, leading to increased cell proliferation and tumor progression. In others, overexpression of KLF4 can contribute to tumorigenesis.


Due to its role in cellular reprogramming and cancer, KLF4 is a potential target for [[cancer therapy]] and [[regenerative medicine]]. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex roles of KLF4 in health and disease.
== Research and Applications ==
 
KLF4 is a subject of extensive research due to its role in [[stem cell biology]] and [[cancer]]. Understanding the mechanisms by which KLF4 regulates gene expression and cell fate decisions is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.
[[File:KLF4.png|thumb|right|KLF4 protein structure]]


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
* [[Transcription factor]]
* [[Transcription factor]]
* [[Kruppel-like factors]]
* [[Stem cell]]
* [[Yamanaka factors]]
* [[Induced pluripotent stem cell]]
* [[Cellular reprogramming]]
* [[Cancer]]
* [[Cancer]]


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
== External Links ==
* [KLF4 at GeneCards](https://www.genecards.org/cgi-bin/carddisp.pl?gene=KLF4)
* [KLF4 at NCBI Gene](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/9314)


[[Category:Transcription factors]]
[[Category:Transcription factors]]
[[Category:Stem cells]]
[[Category:Stem cell research]]
[[Category:Cancer]]
[[Category:Oncology]]
[[Category:Gene expression]]
[[Category:Developmental biology]]
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 20:35, 30 December 2024


KLF4
Symbol KLF4
HGNC ID 6348
Alternative symbols
Entrez Gene 9314
OMIM 602253
RefSeq NM_004235
UniProt O43474
Chromosome 9q31
Locus supplementary data


KLF4 (Kruppel-like factor 4) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. It is a member of the Kruppel-like factor family of transcription factors, which are characterized by their zinc finger domains.

Function[edit]

KLF4 is involved in the regulation of gene expression in various biological processes. It is known to act as both a transcriptional activator and repressor, depending on the context of the target gene and the presence of other cofactors. KLF4 is crucial in maintaining stem cell pluripotency and is one of the four factors used to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Role in Development[edit]

During embryonic development, KLF4 is essential for the proper formation of the skin and gastrointestinal tract. It regulates the expression of genes involved in epithelial cell differentiation and barrier function.

Clinical Significance[edit]

KLF4 has been implicated in various cancers, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and gastric cancer. Its role in cancer is complex, as it can function as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene depending on the cellular context. In some cancers, KLF4 expression is downregulated, leading to increased cell proliferation and tumor progression. In others, overexpression of KLF4 can contribute to tumorigenesis.

Research and Applications[edit]

KLF4 is a subject of extensive research due to its role in stem cell biology and cancer. Understanding the mechanisms by which KLF4 regulates gene expression and cell fate decisions is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

External Links[edit]