OCT

Octamer binding proteins (OCT) are a group of highly conserved transcription factors that specifically bind octamer motifs (ATGCAAAT) as well as closely related sequences in the promoters and enhancers of multiple genes. OCT factors belong to the larger family of POU domain factors characterized by the presence of an amino terminal specific subdomain (POUS) and a carboxy-terminal homologous subdomain (POUH). OCT is involved in embryogenesis, neurogenesis, immunity, and glucose and amino acid metabolism. Abnormal expression and ineffective function of Oct proteins have also been linked to various diseases, including deafness, diabetes, and cancer.