Description
Oct -1, a member of POU transcription factors, was identified as a DNA-binding protein that activates gene transcription via a cis-element containing an Octamer motif ATGCAAAT. It is expressed in embryonic stem (ES) cells and germ cells, and its expression is required to sustain cell self-renewal and pluripotency. Oct-3/4 is the most recognized marker for totipotent ES cells