This gene encodes a protein that belongs to the Kruppel family of transcription factors. The encoded zinc finger protein is required for normal development of the barrier function of skin. The encoded protein is thought to control the G1-to-S transition of the cell cycle following DNA damage by mediating the tumor suppressor gene p53. Mice lacking this gene have a normal appearance but lose weight rapidly, and die shortly after birth due to fluid evaporation resulting from compromised epidermal barrier function. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015] CIViC Summary for KLF4 Gene
Forensic Context
A study in domestic swine demonstrated that the KLF4 was induced in border and ischemic zones of the heart after myocardial infarction, with its transcriptional response to ischemia being a central regulator of enhancer activity [Kaikkonen et al. DOI:10.1161/CIRCGENETICS.117.001702]. In C57BL/6 mice with traumatic spinal cord injury, the KLF4 was upregulated and verified as a target of miR-135b-5p within a circAbca1/miR-135b-5p/KLF4 regulatory axis, where its expression may inhibit axon regeneration [Wang et al. DOI:10.4103/1673-5374.308100].