The POU-er of gene nomenclature.

The pluripotency factor POU5F1 (OCT4) is well known as a key regulator of stem cell fate. Homologues of POU5F1 exist throughout vertebrates, but the evolutionary and functional relationships between the various family members have been unclear. The level to which function has been conserved within this family provides insight into the evolution of early embryonic potency. Here, we seek to clarify the relationship between POU5F1 homologues in the vertebrate lineage, both phylogenetically and functionally. We resolve the confusion over the identity of the zebrafish gene, which was originally named pou2, then changed to pou5f1 and again, more recently, to pou5f3. We argue that the use of correct nomenclature is crucial when discussing the degree to which the networks regulating early embryonic differentiation are conserved.

Frankenberg SR ，Frank D ，Harland R ，Johnson AD ，Nichols J ，Niwa H ，Schöler HR ，Tanaka E ，Wylie C ，Brickman JM ... -  《-》

Reprogramming to pluripotency is an ancient trait of vertebrate Oct4 and Pou2 proteins.

Tapia N ，Reinhardt P ，Duemmler A ，Wu G ，Araúzo-Bravo MJ ，Esch D ，Greber B ，Cojocaru V ，Rascon CA ，Tazaki A ，Kump K ，Voss R ，Tanaka EM ，Schöler HR ... -  《Nature Communications》

Evolution and functions of Oct4 homologs in non-mammalian vertebrates.

PouV class transcription factor Oct4/Pou5f1 is a central regulator of indefinite pluripotency in mammalian embryonic stem cells (ESCs) but also participates in cell lineage specification in mouse embryos and in differentiating cell cultures. The molecular basis for this versatility, which is shared between Oct4 and its non-mammalian homologs Pou5f1 and Pou5f3, is not yet completely understood. Here, I review the current understanding of the evolution of PouV class transcription factors and discuss equivalent and diverse roles of Oct4 homologs in pluripotency, differentiation, and cell behavior in different vertebrate embryos. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Oct Transcription Factor Family, edited by Dr. Dean Tantin.

Onichtchouk D 《-》

The evolution of class V POU domain transcription factors in vertebrates and their characterisation in a marsupial.

Frankenberg S ，Pask A ，Renfree MB 《-》

On the origin of POU5F1.

Frankenberg S ，Renfree MB 《-》