Kruppel-Like Factor

About KLF / Kruppel-Like Factor:

KLF also known as Krupel Like Factors are zinc finger proteins, and they are part of the DNA-binding domain. When they bind with CACCC or GT, they respond as either activators or repressors and regulate gene expression.

KLF Structure
They have two main components, which are a co-activator and a transactivator. Discovered in 1996, they help to regulate cellular processes which include cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Krüppel-like Factors are part of the Sp transcription factor and their related proteins. They range from KLF1 to KLF17. Sp1-4 and Sp5-9 are the groups that they are divided into.

Kruppel-Like Factor Function
The KLF are found frequently throughout the downstream genes, and play a major role in the development of the nervous system. They also play a role in the heart and gut.

KLF Mechanism
These KLFs contain three carboxyl-terminal motifs. These motifs bind to DNA which help to regulate the cells. They also provide regulation of functions that include proliferation and differentiation to name a couple. As mentioned, there are three subgroups of KLFs. These include the KLF 3, 8 and 12. There are transcription activators KLFs 9,10, 11, 12, 12, 12 and 16. There have been numerous studies relating to the structure and function of KLFs. Artificial factors can be used to activate or repress genes. Cancer changes the function of KLFs and regulates cancerous cells. Understanding their functions could lead to a new treatment discovery.