Elevated Krüppel-like factor 5 expression in spatiotemporal mouse lungs is similar to human congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lungs.

Objective The study aimed to investigate the role of high Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) expression on the pathogenesis of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lungs (CCAML) in mice. Methods A mouse model of high KLF5 expression in the lungs was established. KLF5 expression and the pulmonary lumen diameter were examined by immunohistochemistry to determine a successful model. Basement membrane damage and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were examined. After an adenovirus carrying KLF5 gene transfection in lung adenocarcinoma (H441) was created, changes in expression and activity of MMP-9 were determined. Results In a mouse model with high KLF5 expression, the pulmonary lumen was markedly enlarged, indicating establishment of CCAML. The basement membrane was degraded, and MMP-9 activity was significantly higher in the model group compared with the control group. Moreover, mice in a cellular model after transfection also showed higher MMP-9 activity than did controls. Conclusion High KLF5 expression may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CCAML, partly through regulating the activity of MMP-9.