Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 15, 2026

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication
09:52

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication

Published on: September 20, 2016

10.8K

Krüppel-Like Factor 4, a Hub Gate for Cell Crosstalk in Tumor Microenvironment

Min Tang1, Binle Tian1, Jingyi Zhou1

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Cancer Medicine
|January 14, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) has dual roles in cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor or oncogene. Its complex functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) offer potential for targeted cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor with context-dependent roles in cancer.
  • KLF4 can function as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene.
  • Its intricate roles within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are critical for cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review the multifaceted roles of KLF4 within the TME.
  • To evaluate KLF4 as a potential therapeutic target in oncology.
  • To understand KLF4's orchestration of cell crosstalk in the TME.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review.
  • Analysis of KLF4 expression patterns and regulatory mechanisms.
  • Investigation of KLF4 functions across various TME components (cancer cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, etc.).

Main Results:

  • KLF4 exhibits opposing roles: tumor suppressor in gastric, lung, and pancreatic cancers; oncogene in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
  • KLF4 regulates macrophage polarization, T-cell exhaustion, NK cell activity, and myeloid-derived suppressor cell recruitment.
  • KLF4 influences cancer-associated fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix remodeling, with expression modulated by miRNAs, lncRNAs, and epigenetics.

Conclusions:

  • KLF4 acts as a central regulator of intercellular communication within the TME.
  • Understanding KLF4's context-specific functions is key to developing precision oncology therapies.
  • Emerging KLF4-targeting agents show promise in preclinical and early clinical settings.
Keywords:
KLF4cancerimmune cellstumor microenvironment

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