Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), SRY-box transcription factor 2 (SOX2), and Homeobox protein NANOG (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG)

The transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG form the central core of the pluripotency network in embryonic stem cells. OCT4 (octamer-binding transcription factor 4) and SOX2 (SRY-box transcription factor 2) interact synergistically as a heterodimer to regulate target genes, including NANOG, and together maintain stem cell identity. NANOG, belonging to the homeobox protein family, acts downstream to help preserve cells in an undifferentiated state and repress differentiation signals. These factors are not enzymes, receptors, or transporters, but rather master regulators of gene expression critical for both natural embryogenesis and for experimental reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Other names

POU domain, class 5, transcription factor 1 (POU5F1)Sex determining region Y-box 2NANOG