Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14)

Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) is a zinc finger transcription factor of the SP/KLF protein family, encoded by the intronless human KLF14 gene on chromosome 7q32.3[2][5][7][9]. It contains three C2H2-type zinc finger motifs at its C-terminus, which mediate binding to GC-rich DNA sequences in gene promoter regions[1][3][5][8]. KLF14 regulates the expression of multiple genes, including direct targets such as ApoA-I and TGFβRII, and modulates chromatin structure and gene silencing via interaction with the co-repressor Sin3A[3][5]. KLF14 has broad biological roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism (notably governing adipose tissue gene networks affecting insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles), immune cell differentiation, and vascular biology[1][2][3][5][7]. Genetic variation and altered expression of KLF14 have been associated with metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and some cancers[2][3][7][9]. KLF14 is considered a master regulator of adipose tissue gene networks, and emerging evidence points to its effects in inflammation, immune response, and tumor suppression[2][3][5][7]. It is maternally imprinted and primarily acts as a transcriptional repressor, but may also function as an activator in certain contexts[3][5]. KLF14 is thus a candidate biomarker and putative therapeutic target in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases[9]. No approved drugs directly modulate KLF14 as of this writing.

Other names

Kruppel like factor 14Kruppel-like factor 14basic transcription element-binding protein 5BTEB5BTE-binding protein 5Transcription factor BTEB5Sp6 (in mouse)KLF transcription factor 14