KLF4 Promotes a KRT13+ Hillock-Like State in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

KLF4 drives a KRT13+ hillock-like cell state in lung squamous cell carcinoma, linked to therapy resistance and tumor heterogeneity.

• Why it matters: Understanding intra-tumoral heterogeneity in LUSC is crucial for developing effective treatments, as current options are limited and tumor diversity impacts therapy response.
• What they did: Using mouse models, organoid cultures, and single-cell transcriptomics, the study identified a conserved KRT13+ tumor cell population across models and human tumors, revealing lineage origins and KLF4’s role.
• The result: KLF4 promotes the hillock-like state, which confers resistance to oxidative stress and chemotherapy, highlighting potential targets for overcoming treatment resistance in LUSC.