Meeting Abstract
The Kruppel-like factor (Klf) gene family consists of two closely related groups of transcription factors, Klf and Sp factors. Klf/Sp proteins are defined by a highly conserved DNA binding domain composed of three C-terminal C2H2 zinc fingers that bind GT box and GC-rich DNA sequences associated with gene regulatory regions. Collectively the Klf/Sp genes play key roles in a variety of critical biological processes including metabolism, cell proliferation, stem cell maintenance, embryonic development, and tissue differentiation as well as being implicated in a number of human diseases and cancers. There are 26 Klf/Sp genes found in mammals divided into six groups; Klf1/2/4 and Klf6/7, Klf3/8/12, Klf9/13/14/16, Klf10/11, Sp1-4, and Sp5-9. The Klf gene family has been well documented in mammals, and gene expression studies have been performed in a few classic bilaterian model organisms. However, very little is known about the Klf gene family and its expression during development in non-bilaterians. Here we provide the first description of Klf gene expression in a non-bilaterian metazoan, the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi. Mnemiopsis has two Klf genes, MleKlfa and MleKlfb, that group with mammalian Klf1/2/4 and Klf6/7. Both of these genes are ubiquitously expressed during early stages of development, with expression patterns becoming spatial restricted after gastrulation. Regions of high MleKlf gene expression correspond to areas of high cell proliferation. This includes the developing mouth and pharynx, the tentacle bulbs, and the apical organ. By investigating the expression of Klf genes in an early branching metazoan, we may gain insight into the ancestral function of this ancient transcription factor gene family in metazoans.
