KLF4: Proteins and Enzymes

KLF transcription factors comprise a large (at least 16 members) family of transcriptional regulators characterized by a highly conserved, 81 amino acid (aa) DNA binding domain that includes three classical zinc fingers. Individual family members can function as activators or repressors depending on context. The family is named for the Drosophila embryonic patterning gene Kruppel, and members are involved in growth regulation and a wide range of developmental processes. KLF proteins are closely related to the Sp1 family of transcription factors, which share the 81 aa DNA binding domain but also contain a region not found in KLFs called the buttonhead box (BTD).