Description:
Transcription factor (TF) Oct4 is a master regulator affecting the fate of pluripotent stem cells and germ cell precursors. Oct4 expression is tightly regulated, and small changes in expression level can have dramatic effects on differentiation or oncogenesis. Oct4 binds on the promoter regions of genes to exert tight control over pluripotency regulator expression and protects embryonic stem cells in an undifferentiated state. Further investigation is required to fully elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms through which Oct4 maintains and reinitiates pluripotency.
