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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

A Human Ex Vivo Atherosclerotic Plaque Model to Study Lesion Biology
Published on: May 6, 2014
Decoding the Kruppel-like Transcription Factors in Atherosclerosis: Insight from Molecular and Translational
Yiyang Cao1, Chenyue Wang1, Xuzhou Zhu1
1The Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330031, China.
Insights
Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) are key regulators in atherosclerosis development. Targeting KLF pathways with new substances, gene therapy, or nanotechnology offers promising therapeutic strategies for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, driven by inflammation, lipid issues, and vascular remodeling.
- Current treatments like lifestyle changes and statins have limitations, with high mortality and morbidity rates persisting.
- Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) are crucial transcription factors influencing numerous physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct a comprehensive network illustrating the role of KLFs in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- To identify novel therapeutic substances and approaches targeting KLF-modulated pathways for atherosclerosis.
- To explore gene therapy and nanotechnology for precision medicine in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the molecular mechanisms of KLFs in atherosclerosis.
- Network construction to map KLF interactions in atherosclerotic lesion development.
- Analysis of emerging therapeutic strategies, including gene therapy and nanotechnology.
Main Results:
- Specific KLF family members (KLF2, KLF4, KLF5, KLF6, KLF14) are pivotal in regulating endothelial homeostasis, smooth muscle cell changes, and inflammation.
- Novel substances targeting KLF pathways show potential in attenuating atherosclerosis.
- Gene therapy and nanotechnology present emerging approaches for KLF-modulated treatment.
Conclusions:
- KLFs play a central role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions.
- Targeting KLF pathways offers new therapeutic avenues for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
- This review highlights the translational and precision medicine potential of KLF modulation.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a leading contributor to cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, which can be driven by multiple pathological processes, including chronic inflammation, lipid dysregulation, and vascular remodeling. Currently, lifestyle intervention and pharmacological intervention, like statins, are recommended in clinical treatments. However, the mortality and morbidity rates caused by atherosclerosis remain high. Kruppel-like transcription factors (KLFs) are zinc-finger-containing transcription factors that are involved in various physiological and pathological processes. By modulating endothelial cell homeostasis, smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching, and inflammatory responses, members of the KLF family-particularly KLF2, KLF4, KLF5, KLF6, and KLF14-emerge as pivotal regulators in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In this review, we constructed a comprehensive network of KLFs in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Based on the molecular mechanism, this review for the first time highlighted newly identified substances that exploit KLF-modulated pathways to attenuate atherosclerosis, and discussed emerging gene therapy and nanotechnology approaches, addressing both the therapeutic promise and challenges associated with targeted KLF modulation. This first offered new avenues for translational and precision medicine in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease from the perspective of KLF.
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