OCT4A

OCT4A, also known as POU5F1, is a crucial transcription factor that plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of embryonic stem cells and germ cells. Its name is derived from the octamer-binding transcription factor family, and the "4A" designation signifies its specific isoform. OCT4A is a member of the POU domain family of transcription factors, characterized by a POU homeodomain and a POU-specific domain. These domains enable it to bind to specific DNA sequences, thereby regulating the expression of a wide array of target genes.

In embryonic stem cells, OCT4A is essential for maintaining pluripotency, the ability of these cells to differentiate into any cell type in the body. It is a key component of the core regulatory network that keeps stem cells in an undifferentiated state. Upon differentiation, OCT4A expression typically decreases, signaling the cells to commit to specific lineages. Similarly, OCT4A is also indispensable for the development of germ cells, the cells that give rise to sperm and eggs. Its precise regulation is critical for proper reproductive function. Due to its significance in pluripotency and development, OCT4A has become a widely studied marker in stem cell research and cancer biology, where its aberrant expression can be associated with tumor progression and characteristics.