POU5F1 (POU domain, class 5, transcription factor 1), also known as octamer-binding transcription factor-3 (Oct-3, OTF3), octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (Oct-4, Otf-4) and Oct-3/4, modulates embryonic stem (ES) cell populations by influencing lineage commitment. Oct-3/4 sustains stem-cell self-renewal and differentiation pathways. Transcription factors containing the POU homeodomain regulate tissue-specific gene expression in lymphoid and pituitary differentiation and in early mammalian development. Oct-3/4 is capable of inducing rapid proliferation and tumorigenic properties of ES cells through activation of the UTF1 gene. In humans, two Oct-3/4 isoforms contribute to influencing the undifferentiated phenotype of ES cells. Oct-3/4 pseudogenes localizing to human chromosomes 10 and 8 are reported to be transcribed in certain cancer cell lines and tissues.

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