EKLF

Erythroid Krüppel-like Factor (EKLF) is a transcription factor that is necessary for the proper maturation of erythroid (red blood) cells. The molecule has two domains; the transactivation domain and the chromatin-remodeling domain. The carboxyl (C) terminal is composed of three C2H2 zinc fingers that binds to DNA, and the amino (N) terminus is proline rich and acidic [1]. The gene for EKLF is on the human chromosome 19 and on mouse chromosome 8.

EKLF deficient (knockout) mouse embryos exhibit a lethal anemic phenotype, fail to promote the transcription of adult β globin, and die by embryonic day 14 [3]. On the other hand, over-expression of EKLF results in a reduction of the number of circulating platelets and hastens the onset of β globin gene [5].

EKLF has been linked to three main processes that are all essential to transcription of the β globin gene:

1.Chromatin remodeling

2.Modulation of the gamma to beta globin switch

3.Transcriptional activation

EKLF binds specifically to the CACC motif of the β globin gene promoter [4]. When natural mutations occur in the promoter, β+ thalassemia can arise in humans. Thalassemia's prevalence (2million worldwide carry the trait) makes EKLF clinically significant.