Porcine KLF gene family: Structure, mapping, and phylogenetic analysis

The Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) belong to the family of zinc finger-containing transcription factors that regulates a diverse array of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Here we reported the structure, mapping and phylogenetic analysis of KLF gene family in pigs. Comparative analyses revealed strong conservation between pig and human KLFs at the genomic and protein structure levels. Porcine KLF 1-17 were dispersedly located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 18 and X, respectively. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, we proposed that KLFs have undergone extensive expansion over the course of evolution. Finally, we identified a characteristic motif in KLF zinc finger domains that can be used to accurately predict potential KLF proteins. The current work represents the first comprehensive study of KLF genes in pigs and provides a foundation for future studies concerning structural, functional, and evolutionary analyses of KLF gene family.