Abstract: The diseases of female reproductive system were partially related to the abnormal cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation which is due to the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, as well as their receptor-related signaling pathways. The complicated regulation of those nuclear receptor-related signaling pathways is mediated by many nuclear factors, such as Krüppel-like factors (KLFs). KLFs are a group of zinc finger proteins, which is closely related to the transcriptional regulation of eukaryotic cells. KLFs are ubiquitously expressed in female reproductive tissues, as the critical co-regulator and integrator of steroid hormone actions. Expression of KLF4 is decreased in the eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis (EMs) and in the endometrial cancer tissues. In peri-implantation stage, KLF5 plays an important role in the formation of the receptivity of endometrium which is associated with successful embryos implantation. KLF6 is involved in the development of placenta and the maintenance of pregnancy. KLF9 plays a positive role in the regulation of progesterone receptor and a negative role in the regulation of estrogen receptor. KLF11 as a transcription inhibitor has the potential to inhibit the growth of uterine fibroids and EMs ectopic lesions. It is helpful to study the biological function of KLFs for understanding the pathogenesis of female reproductive diseases.

Key words: Kruppel-like transcription factors, Zinc fingers, Female urogenital diseases, Endometrium