Oct1

Oct-1, also known as POU2F1, is a transcription factor in humans that belongs to the POU family. It binds the octamer motif in DNA via a bipartite DNA-binding domain composed of a POU-specific subdomain and a homeodomain, separated by a short linker. The protein is encoded by the POU2F1 gene and is widely expressed across tissues, with evolutionary conservation indicative of a core regulatory function.

Oct-1 regulates transcription of a diverse set of genes, including those involved in metabolism, stress responses, and basic cellular maintenance. Depending on the promoter context and interacting cofactors, Oct-1 can act as an activator or a repressor. It also contributes to transcription from certain viral promoters, illustrating its role in host-pathogen interactions. In chromatin, Oct-1 participates in larger protein complexes that influence accessibility and higher-order regulation.

Regulation of Oct-1 activity occurs through post-translational modifications and interactions with other transcription factors and chromatin remodelers, linking its function to cellular signaling pathways. Although it is ubiquitously expressed, Oct-1 functions alongside related factors such as Oct-2 (POU2F2), which is more restricted to B cells, helping to define tissue-specific transcriptional programs.

In research, Oct-1 serves as a model for studying transcription factor-DNA interactions and promoter occupancy. Altered Oct-1 activity has been investigated in various disease contexts, including cancer and aging, but its precise roles are diverse and context-dependent.