Occurrence and Significance of the Nuclear Transcription Factor Krüppel-Like Factor 4 (KLF4) in the Vessel Wall

Abstract

Practically all mammalian cells including human can switch, according to micro- or macroenvironmental conditions, from states of cellular quiescence to inflammatory activation and vice versa. Along with recent knowledge, cellular quiescence is not a passive, but a highly active state with broad engagement of the cell synthetic and secretory machinery. Inflammatory activation is a beneficial process in cases of infection; however, if its control fails, it may degrade into autoimmune diseases or cancer growth. Control over cellular quiescence is exerted predominantly by a set of zincfinger transcription proteins, referred to as Krüppel-like factors (KLFs). This review article offers recent information concerning activities of Krüppel-like factor 4 in the vascular wall.

Keywords

• Endothelial phenotype
• Inflammatory cytokines
• Shear stress
• Transcription factors
• Arterial injury
• Smooth muscle cells