POU5F1. also known as Oct-4. is a transcription factor belonging to the POU protein family, characterized by a conserved DNA-binding domain. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). POU5F1 regulates downstream targets, including Nanog and Sox2. forming a core network that sustains undifferentiated cell states. Its expression is tightly controlled during early embryogenesis, with downregulation critical for cellular differentiation.
Antibodies targeting POU5F1 are essential tools in stem cell research, cancer biology, and developmental studies. They enable detection of POU5F1 protein expression through techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting, and flow cytometry. These antibodies help identify pluripotent cells in vitro and in vivo, serving as quality control markers for stem cell cultures. In cancer research, POU5F1 antibodies are used to investigate its oncogenic role, as aberrant expression is linked to germ cell tumors (e.g., seminomas) and some carcinomas.
Commercial POU5F1 antibodies are typically raised against epitopes in the N-terminal or C-terminal regions, with clones like C30A3 and C10E9 being widely validated. Researchers must verify antibody specificity due to potential cross-reactivity with other POU family members. Applications extend to regenerative medicine, where POU5F1 expression confirms reprogramming efficiency, and clinical diagnostics for classifying certain malignancies. Proper validation using knockout controls remains crucial for experimental reliability.