Reduced expression of Krüppel-like factor 17 is related to tumor growth and poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma

Reduced expression of KLF17 protein was associated with the short survival time of the patients with lung adenocarcinoma, patients with low expression level of KLF17 protein frequently developed larger tumor. [Display omitted] ► We analyzed and verified the role of KLF17 in lung adenocarcinoma. ► Reduced expression of KLF17 could be an independent poor prognostic indicator for lung adenocarcinoma patients. ► KLF17 expression level was correlated with the T stage and tumor size of lung adenocarcinoma. ► Enhanced expression of KLF17 in cancer cells inhibited growth of the cells. Krüppel-like factor 17 (KLF17), a new member of the Krüppel-like factors (KLFs), has been reported to be a negative regulator of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in breast cancer. However, the biological role and clinical significance of KLF17 in lung adenocarcinoma has been less clear. In the present study, we showed that KLF17 expression was decreased in lung adenocarcinoma. Reduced expression of KLF17 was correlated significantly with a short survival time in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (P