Krüppel-like factors in cancers

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) are zinc finger-containing transcription factors that play important roles in diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes. A major function of many KLFs is to regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. It is therefore not surprising that some of the KLFs are involved in tumorigenesis of various organs and tissues. This chapter reviews the pathobio-logical roles of KLFs in several cancers, including those of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, skin, and pancreas. Understanding the functions of KLFs in cancers may help gain insight into the pathogenesis of cancers and provide novel therapeutic approaches to their treatment.