Octomer binding protein 4 (OCT4), also known as POU5F1 or OCT3/4, is a member of the POU gene family, encoded by the human gene POU5F1 (POU domain 5 transcription factor 1). The abnormal expression of OCT4 in adult tissues is associated with tumorigenesis. OCT4 is also expressed in the developing brain, with the highest levels found in the cortex, olfactory bulb, and hippocampus. OCT4A and OCT4B1, the isoforms of OCT4, support self-renewal and multi maintenance of gene transcription in the nucleus of ESC and embryonic cancer cells, while OCT4B is located in the cytoplasm of various non peptide cell types and cannot sustain self recovery and self restoration.
