Abstract
The Oct-4 transcription factor is expressed in embryonic stem cells and germ cells of the mouse embryo. Cells that are driven into embryonic and extraembryonic somatic differentiation lose Oct-4 expression. Oct-4 is crucial for the maintenance of the totipotency of embryonic cells at early developmental stages as demonstrated recently by homologous recombination. Since during embryogenesis Oct-4 is restricted to germ cells, it is possible that it plays a key role for the germline lineage by preventing differentiation of these cells during gastrulation. Thus, Oct-4 appears to be a key regulator of totipotency during the life cycle of mammals.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 144-152 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Cells Tissues Organs |
| Volume | 165 |
| Issue number | 3-4 |
| Publication status | Published - 1999 |
Keywords
- Embryonic stem cell
- Germ cell
- Oct-4
- Transcription factor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Anatomy