Role of Krüppel-like factor 6 in transforming growth factor-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of proximal tubule cells

Abstract

Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) is a DNA-binding protein containing a triple zinc-fingered motif and plays a key role in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and development. More recently it has been implicated in hepatic fibrosis via its binding to the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β control element. In the kidney, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis, with TGF-β1 being a key mediator of EMT. The present study aimed to determine the role of KLF6 and TGF-β1 in EMT in proximal tubule cells. To determine the relevance in clinical disease, KLF6 was measured in kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Ren-2 rats..