Transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 4 (Klf4) is essential for somatic cell reprogramming. In
addition, Klf4 seems to play a redundant role along with other Klf family proteins in
embryonic stem (ES) cell self-renewal. However, how Klf4 regulates ES cell self-renewal
and somatic cell reprogramming is still poorly understood. Here we report that Klf4 is
required for both ES cell self-renewal and maintenance of pluripotency and that the
expression of Klf4 prevents ES cell differentiation in response to withdrawal of leukemia …