Sp1- and Krüppel-like transcription factors

Genome Biol. 2003;4(2):206. doi: 10.1186/gb-2003-4-2-206. Epub 2003 Feb 3.

Abstract

Sp1-like proteins and Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are highly related zinc-finger proteins that are important components of the eukaryotic cellular transcriptional machinery. By regulating the expression of a large number of genes that have GC-rich promoters, Sp1-like/KLF transcription regulators may take part in virtually all facets of cellular function, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and neoplastic transformation. Individual members of the Sp1-like/KLF family can function as activators or repressors depending on which promoter they bind and the coregulators with which they interact. A long-standing research aim has been to define the mechanisms by which Sp1-like factors and KLFs regulate gene expression and cellular function in a cell- and promoter-specific manner. Most members of this family have been identified in mammals, with at least 21 Sp1-like/KLF proteins encoded in the human genome, and members are also found in frogs, worms and flies. Sp1-like/KLF proteins have highly conserved carboxy-terminal zinc-finger domains that function in DNA binding. The amino terminus, containing the transcription activation domain, can vary significantly between family members.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Repressor Proteins*
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Sp1 Transcription Factor / genetics*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics
  • Zinc Fingers / genetics*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Sp1 Transcription Factor
  • Transcription Factors