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[Progress on Sp1-like and Krüppel-like factors].
Qian Xiong1, Xiu-Yan Ruan, Xiang-Dong Fang
1Key Laboratory of Genome Science and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China. xiongq@big.ac.cn
Sp1-like and Krüppel-like factors (Sp1/KLFs) are zinc-finger proteins regulating gene expression. This review covers their structure, molecular mechanisms, and diverse biological roles in cellular processes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Sp1-like and Krüppel-like factors (Sp1/KLFs) are crucial transcription factors in eukaryotic cells.
- They possess conserved DNA-binding domains with zinc-finger motifs and variable regulatory domains.
Purpose:
- To review the structure, molecular mechanisms, and biological functions of Sp1/KLFs.
- To highlight their role in regulating genes with GC-rich or CACCC promoters.
Summary:
- Sp1/KLFs regulate gene expression in a tissue-, cell-, and developmental stage-specific manner.
- Their functions are implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and neoplastic transformation.
- The review details their conserved structural features and diverse regulatory activities.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of Sp1/KLF family proteins.
- Enhances understanding of transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes.
- Informs research on cellular processes and diseases involving Sp1/KLFs.
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