Klf4 overexpression activates epithelial cytokines and inflammation-mediated esophageal squamous cell cancer in mice.

Background & Aims: Esophageal squamous cell cancer accounts for more than 90% of cases of esophageal cancers. Its pathogenesis involves chronic epithelial irritation, although the factors involved in the inflammatory process and the mechanisms of carcinogenesis are unknown. We sought to develop a mouse model of this cancer.

Esophageal squamous cell dysplasia and delayed differentiation with deletion of krüppel-like factor 4 in murine esophagus.

Background & Aims: Krüppel-like factor 4 (Klf; previously known a gut-enriched Krüppel-like factor) is a DNA-binding transcriptional regulator highly expressed in skin and gastrointestinal epithelia, specifically in regions of cellular differentiation. Homozygous null mice for Klf4 die shortly after birth from skin defects, precluding their analysis at later stages. The aim of this study was to analyze the function of Klf4 in keratinocyte biology and epithelial homeostasis in the adult by focusing on the squamous lined esophagus.