Advances of Oct4 gene research / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT

Oct4 gene,a member of POU transcription factor family,is expressed in embryonic stem(ES) cells and embryonic carcinoma(EC) cells,but not in cells of differentiated tissues.It plays a critical role in maintaining pluripotent and self-renewing state of embryonic stem cells.The molecular structure,function,regulation passageway and the relationship with tumors of Oct4 gene have been briefly reviewed.