Kruppel-like factor 16 (KLF16) (KLF16)

Kruppel-like factor 16 (KLF16) is a member of the SP/KLF family of transcription factors, characterized by three C-terminal C2H2-type zinc finger domains that bind to GC-rich and GT-rich DNA sequences (UniProt, NIH). It acts as a versatile regulator of gene expression, functioning as either a transcriptional activator or repressor depending on the cellular context and its interaction with co-factors like Sin3A or histone acetyltransferases (NIH). KLF16 is involved in a wide range of biological processes, including cell cycle regulation, glucose and lipid metabolism, and neuronal development, where it modulates dopaminergic transmission and neurite outgrowth (UniProt, NIH). In the context of human disease, KLF16 is frequently upregulated in various malignancies, such as breast, bladder, and gastric cancers, where it promotes tumor cell proliferation, migration, and survival (PubMed, NIH). Although it is considered a promising therapeutic target and a potential prognostic biomarker, no drugs currently exist that directly target KLF16, and therapeutic strategies often focus on modulating its upstream regulators or downstream effectors (PubMed, NIH).

Other names

Basic transcription element-binding protein 4BTEB4Dopamine receptor-regulating factorDRFNovel Sp1-like zinc finger transcription factor 2NSLP2Transcription factor BTEB4Transcription factor NSLP2

Indirect suppression of KLF16 transcription via BET protein inhibition or modulation of nucleolar localization via ribosome biogenesis inhibition (PubMed, NIH).