Oct4 cannot be replaced by other members of the same family of transcription factors to induce reprogramming. By comparing the structure of the POU family domain of Oct4 complexed to DNA with that of others, Schöler and colleagues identify an α-helix that is exposed on the surface of Oct4 and provides an interaction platform to recruit epigenetic modifiers to Oct4 targets. Mutations abolishing this helix suppress the reprogramming properties of Oct4.
- Daniel Esch
- Juha Vahokoski
- Hans R. Schöler
