The Krüppel-Like Factor Epiprofin Is Expressed by Epithelium of Developing Teeth, Hair Follicles, and Limb Buds and Promotes Cell Proliferation

The study identified epiprofin, a Krüppel-like factor, as being expressed in the epithelium of developing teeth, hair follicles, and limb buds in mice, promoting cell proliferation and suggesting its role in tissue development. It was found to be highly tissue-specific, contrasting with previous reports of ubiquitous expression. The research highlighted epiprofin's role in regulating cell growth, particularly in dental and hair follicle development, and suggested it may work alongside KLF5 in hair follicles through distinct signaling pathways. The study also corrected the gene structure and sequence of epiprofin, differing from previous predictions.