Kruppel-like Factors in Skeletal Physiology and Pathologies

Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) belong to a large group of zinc finger-containing transcription factors with amino acid sequences resembling the Drosophila gap gene Kruppel. Since the first report of molecular cloning of the KLF family gene, the number of KLFs has increased rapidly. Currently, 17 murine and human KLFs are known to play crucial roles in the regulation of transcription, cell proliferation, cellular differentiation, stem cell maintenance, and tissue and organ pathogenesis. Recent evidence has shown that many KLF family molecules affect skeletal cells and regulate their differentiation and function. This review summarizes the current understanding of the unique roles of each KLF in skeletal cells during normal development and skeletal pathologies.

Automated summary

Kruppel-like factors (KLFs), a group of zinc finger-containing transcription factors, play crucial roles in transcription regulation, cell proliferation, cellular differentiation, stem cell maintenance, and tissue and organ pathogenesis. Recent studies have shown that KLF family molecules have significant effects on skeletal cells, influencing their differentiation and function. This review provides an overview of the unique roles of each KLF in skeletal cells during normal development and skeletal pathologies.