KLF4 belongs to the erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF) family that is involved in the differentiation of epithelial cells and may also function in skeletal and kidney development. KLF4 can act as both a repressor and activator of transcription. KLF4 regulates the expression of key transcription factors during embryonic development and is important in maintaining embryonic stem cells. It also contributes to the down-regulation of p53/TP53 transcription.