CKLF (gene)

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CKLF (gene): a short, patient-friendly overview

What is CKLF?
- CKLF stands for chemokine-like factor. In humans, the CKLF gene is located on chromosome 16 at band q21.
- The gene makes four protein variants (isoforms) through alternative splicing: CKLF1, CKLF2, CKLF3, and CKLF4.
- CKLF1: secreted protein, 99 amino acids.
- CKLF3: secreted protein, 67 amino acids.
- CKLF2: full-length protein, 152 amino acids.
- CKLF4: membrane protein, 120 amino acids.

CKLF1: the best-studied isoform
- CKLF1 acts like a chemokine (a signaling molecule that guides immune cells) and signals through the CCR4 receptor.
- It can affect a range of immune cells, including CD4+ Th2 cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells.
- Possible roles include helping blood cells and skeletal muscles develop from precursors, and participating in allergic, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions (such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and acute respiratory distress syndrome).

CKLF1 in disease and cancer
- Higher CKLF1 levels have been found in keloid skin tissue, ovarian cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) compared with normal tissue.
- In ovarian and liver cancers, higher CKLF1 is associated with more aggressive disease and shorter survival.
- These findings suggest CKLF1 may contribute to disease progression and could be a potential biomarker or therapeutic target, but more research is needed.

CKLF2, CKLF3, and CKLF4
- Much less is known about the normal functions and disease roles of CKLF2, CKLF3, and CKLF4.

CKLF in mice
- There are mouse versions of CKLF with similar isoforms, reflecting its conservation across species.