Kruppel-like factor 10 (KLF10)

Kruppel-like factor 10 (KLF10), originally identified as TGF-beta-inducible early gene-1 (TIEG1), is a C2H2-type zinc finger transcription factor that serves as a critical mediator of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling. It functions as a transcriptional regulator by binding to GC-rich or CACCC-box elements in the promoters of target genes, thereby controlling essential processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. In many oncological contexts, KLF10 acts as a tumor suppressor, and its loss is frequently associated with increased metastasis and poor prognosis in pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers. Beyond its role in cancer, KLF10 is a key regulator of metabolic homeostasis and the circadian clock, particularly in the liver where it modulates glucose and lipid metabolism. It also plays vital roles in bone mineralization, T regulatory cell development, and the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. While no selective pharmacological agents are currently approved for clinical use, research-grade small molecule inhibitors like KLF10-IN-1 have been developed to investigate its therapeutic potential in metabolic and inflammatory disorders.

Other names

TIEG1TIEGEGR-alphaTGFB-inducible early growth response protein 1Early growth response alpha

Transcriptional regulation through binding to GC-rich or CACCC-box DNA elements and recruitment of co-repressors (e.g., Sin3A, JARID1B) or co-activators to modulate gene expression.