KLF15

Krüppel-like factor 15 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the KLF15 gene in the Krüppel-like factor family. Its former designation KKLF stands for kidney-enriched Krüppel-like factor.

Expression

Activated glucocorticoid receptor upregulates the expression of KLF15.

KLF15 is increased by fasting and decreased by feeding and insulin via PI3K signalling. KLF15 was increased by glucocorticoid signalling and was also increased by inhibition of PI3K. Insulin and its counteracting hormones regulate the hepatic expression of KLF15. Forced expression of KLF15 in cultured hepatocytes increased both the expression and the promoter activity of the gene for phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK).

KLF15 levels in both humans and mice increase two to three times in response to exercise and control the ability of muscle tissue to burn fat and generate force. Deficiency of the KLF15 gene in mice was shown to prevent the efficient burning of fat and prevented mice from sustaining aerobic exercise.