Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) is a zinc-finger transcription factor highly expressed in the glomeruli and interstitial cells of kidneys. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated a critical role for KLF15 in the kidney, involving tubular physiology, podocyte injury, renal fibrosis, and mesangial pathology. In this review, we discuss recent advances and update our overview of the functions of KLF15 in kidney biology, hoping to provide new perspectives on the progression and therapy of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). A better understanding of KLF15 with respect to its diverse roles in specific cells or diseases will be beneficial in pursuing novel therapeutic targets and moving forward to precision medicine.
Keywords: Kidney disease; Krüppel-like factor 15; Mesangial cell; Podocyte differentiation; Renal fibrosis.