Research progress in expression and functions of transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 11 in human cancers

Kruppel-like factor 11 (KLF11) is a member of the Kruppel-like zinc finger transcription factor family and mainly plays a role in transcriptional regulation. Current evidence has shown that KLF11 is deregulated in cancer tissues, such as breast, lung, pancreatic and endometrial cancers. This abnormal expression is involved in tumorigenesis. Studies have found that KLF11 is involved in the TGF-β-Smads signaling pathway and process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Besides, KLF11 participates in the interaction with microRNAs, and may as a negative regulator in cancer stem cells, suggesting its potential value in tumor diagnosis, treatment and prognosis prediction. This article reviews the research progress of KLF11 expression and function in human cancers.