title: Oct-1 functions as a sensor for metabolic and stress signals.
abstract: Oct-1 is a member of the POU domain transcription factor family. The protein in this family typically contains a bipartite DNA binding domain, in which two sub-domains, covalently connected by a flexible linker, normally recognize DNA through major groove interaction on the opposite sides of the helix. The classical recognition sequence is known as the octamer motif “ATGCWAAT”, where W can be either “A” or “T”. This ubiquitously expressed transcription factor exerts multiple biological functions via up or downregulating the expression of a large profile of target genes in different cell lineages, including those in pancreatic islets. Apparently, it is essential for embryonic development as Oct-1-deficient embryos die during gestation. Recent studies from our group and others revealed that Oct-1 serves as a sensor for both metabolic as well as stress/survival signals.
authors.affiliation: Toronto General Research Institute, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Peixiang
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Tianru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D025461:Feedback, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008660:Metabolism / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D050811:Octamer Transcription Factor-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D050811:Octamer Transcription Factor-1