Dual Age-dependent function of KLF4 in Wnt regulation linked with TERT and Ctnnb1 in two differentiated and undifferentiated populations of SSCs

KLF4 is a transcription factor involved in proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and somatic cell reprogramming; thus, it has a critical role in accurate spermatogenesis. Currently, how KLF4 regulates the Wnt cascade has been discussed and suggested that this connection be related to TERT and Ctnnb1, but its regulatory mechanisms are still very vague. Contrary to the data of many researchers who have identified KLF4 as a factor in maintaining stemness, we have stated that KLF4 is a differentiating factor that its expression increases during spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we show how the regulatory loops of KLF4, TERT and Ctnnb1 through the Wnt pathway is age-dependent. Data collected during immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry and Fluidigm real-time RT-PCR besides in silico analyzes indicate that the performance of KLF4 is context-dependent.