Nanog-TAT (NANOG) Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a DNA binding homeobox transcription factor involved in embryonic stem (ES) cell proliferation, renewal, and pluripotency. The encoded protein can block ES cell differentiation and can also autorepress its own expression in differentiating cells. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015]

Function: Transcription regulator involved in inner cell mass and embryonic stem (ES) cells proliferation and self-renewal. Imposes pluripotency on ES cells and prevents their differentiation towards extraembryonic endoderm and trophectoderm lineages. Blocks bone morphogenetic protein-induced mesoderm differentiation of ES cells by physically interacting with SMAD1 and interfering with the recruitment of coactivators to the active SMAD transcriptional complexes. Acts as a transcriptional activator or repressor. Binds optimally to the DNA consensus sequence 5'-TAAT[GT][GT]-3' or 5'-[CG][GA][CG]C[GC]ATTAN[GC]-3'. Able to autorepress its expression in differentiating (ES) cells: binds to its own promoter following interaction with ZNF281/ZFP281, leading to recruitment of the NuRD complex and subsequent repression of expression. When overexpressed, promotes cells to enter into S phase and proliferation. Ref.3 Ref.8 Ref.11

Subunit structure: Interacts with SMAD1 and SALL4. Interacts with ZNF281/ZFP281

By similarity.

Subcellular location: Nucleus Ref.11.

Tissue specificity: Expressed in testicular carcinoma and derived germ cell tumors (at protein level). Expressed in fetal gonads, ovary and testis. Also expressed in ovary teratocarcinoma cell line and testicular embryonic carcinoma. Not expressed in many somatic organs and oocytes. Ref.1 Ref.2 Ref.3 Ref.6 Ref.9

Developmental stage: Expressed in embryonic stem (ES) and carcinoma (EC) cells. Expressed in inner cell mass (ICM) of the blastocyst and gonocytes between 14 and 19 weeks of gestation (at protein level). Not expressed in oocytes, unfertilized oocytes, 2-16 cell embryos and early morula (at protein level). Expressed in embryonic stem cells (ES). Expression decreases with ES differentiation. Ref.3 Ref.7 Ref.9 Ref.10 Ref.11

Miscellaneous: Exists an other tandem duplicated non-processed pseudogene (NANOGP1) and 10 other NANOG-related nucleotide sequences located on different chromosomes, all of which are processed pseudogenes lacking introns (NANOGP2 to NANOGP11); except NANOGP8 which is a retrogene.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the Nanog homeobox family.Contains 1 homeobox DNA-binding domain.