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Endothelial Krüppel-like factor 2/4: Regulation and function in cardiovascular diseases

Jing Gao1, Hongjie Pan2, Xiaogang Guo3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

Cellular Signalling
|March 1, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This review details the critical endothelial transcription factors KLF2 and KLF4, exploring their regulation, function, and role in cardiovascular diseases. It also discusses therapeutic strategies targeting KLF2/4 for treating atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Molecular Medicine
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Endothelial transcription factors Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) are crucial regulators of vascular homeostasis.
  • Their expression and activity are influenced by hemodynamic forces and biochemical signals within the endothelium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of KLF2/4 regulation, function, and disease relevance in the vasculature.
  • To explore the pharmacological modulation of KLF2/4 and their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature on KLF2/4.
  • Analysis of regulatory mechanisms, functional effects via target genes, and roles in pathologies.
  • Discussion of pharmacological interventions and therapeutic targeting.

Main Results:

  • KLF2/4 are key mediators of endothelial responses to physiological stimuli.
  • Dysregulation of KLF2/4 is implicated in atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and diabetic vasculopathy.
  • Pharmacological agents can modulate KLF2/4 activity, suggesting therapeutic avenues.

Conclusions:

  • KLF2/4 are critical targets for understanding and treating vascular diseases.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate novel vascular functions and optimize therapeutic strategies targeting KLF2/4.
Keywords:
AtherosclerosisEndothelial cellsKrüppel-like factor 2Krüppel-like factor 4Vascular diseases

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