Embryonic expression of Krüppel-like factor 6 in neural and non-neural tissues.

Mammalian Krüppel-like transcription factors include 12 zinc finger proteins (KLF1-12) that are involved in regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation during morphogenesis and development (Trends Biochem. Sci., 24 (1999) 236). Structural considerations have segregated KLF6 and KLF7 into a separate sub-group, whereas in situ hybridizations have revealed predominant expression of the mouse klf7 gene in the developing nervous system. We examined the embryonic pattern of mouse klf6 in order to assess whether close kinship between KLF6 and KLF7 reflects similar expression patterns of the genes. The results of the in situ hybridizations demonstrate that klf6 expression in the developing nervous system is more restricted than klf7. In contrast to klf7, we also identified several non-neural sites of strong klf6 expression; they include the developing hindgut, heart, lung, kidney, and autopod.