The mammalian zinc finger transcription factor Krüppel‐like factor 3 (KLF3/BKLF)

KLF3 is a member of the Krüppel‐like factor (KLF) family of transcription factors. These proteins are classified by the presence of three C‐terminal C2H2 zinc fingers that allow sequence‐specific binding to CACCC boxes and GC‐rich motifs found in the promoters, enhancers, and other control regions of target genes. KLFs have diverse biological roles, regulating proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in many tissues throughout development. KLF3 is a transcriptional repressor that binds the cofactor C‐terminal binding protein, which in turn recruits a large repressor complex to mediate transcriptional silencing. In addition to an understanding of the molecular mechanisms that allow KLF3 to regulate the expression of its target genes, the biological roles of this transcription factor are now being defined. In agreement with the widespread expression pattern of this transcription factor, it is becoming clear that KLF3 is an important regulator of several biological processes, including adipogenesis, erythropoiesis, and B cell development. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(2): 86–93, 2011