KLF4
KLF4 (KLF transcription factor 4, also known as EZF and GKLF) is a zinc finger transcription factor of the Krueppel family. It can activate or repress target genes, and it helps maintain embryonic stem cells and establish the skin barrier. Browse Assay Genie's current range of KLF4 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
KLF4 is a transcription factor that can act both as an activator and as a repressor. It binds the 5'-CACCC-3' core sequence, and it also binds the promoter of its own gene, where it can activate its own transcription. It regulates the expression of key transcription factors during embryonic development. It plays an important role in maintaining embryonic stem cells and in preventing their differentiation. It also contributes to the down-regulation of p53/TP53 transcription.
The KLF4 gene encodes a protein of the Krueppel C2H2-type zinc-finger family. HGNC places it in the KLF transcription factor group within the C2H2-type zinc fingers. UniProt lists the protein in the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The NCBI Gene summary notes that alternative splicing produces multiple transcript variants that encode different isoforms. The mouse ortholog is Klf4.
KLF4 is required for establishing the barrier function of the skin. It is also needed for postnatal maturation and maintenance of the ocular surface. It is involved in the differentiation of epithelial cells and may function in skeletal and kidney development. The protein is thought to control the G1-to-S transition of the cell cycle after DNA damage, by mediating the tumour suppressor p53. Mice lacking the gene look normal at birth but lose weight rapidly. They die shortly after birth from fluid evaporation caused by a compromised epidermal barrier. The gene was previously named Kruppel-like factor 4 (gut), and researchers working on the KLF4 gene or protein may also find it under the aliases EZF and GKLF.
KLF4 helps maintain embryonic stem cells and prevents their differentiation, so it is studied in pluripotency and lineage commitment.
KLF4 is required to establish epidermal barrier function, and loss of the gene in mice causes fatal fluid loss after birth.
KLF4 is involved in epithelial cell differentiation and in the maturation and maintenance of the ocular surface.
KLF4 is thought to control the G1-to-S transition after DNA damage via p53, and it contributes to down-regulation of TP53 transcription.
KLF4 is a zinc finger transcription factor that can activate or repress gene expression through the 5'-CACCC-3' core sequence. It regulates key transcription factors during embryonic development, helps maintain embryonic stem cells, and is required for skin barrier function and ocular surface maintenance.
KLF4 is also known as EZF and GKLF. Earlier names include Kruppel-like factor 4 (gut) and Kruppel like factor 4. UniProt calls the protein Krueppel-like factor 4. According to NCBI Gene, alternative splicing gives multiple transcript variants that encode different isoforms.
Mouse has a Klf4 ortholog. Mice lacking the gene appear normal but lose weight rapidly and die shortly after birth. The cause is fluid evaporation through a compromised epidermal barrier. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other KLF family transcription factors with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O43474; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.