POU2AF1
POU2AF1 (POU class 2 homeobox associating factor 1, also known as OBF1, BOB1 and OCA-B) is a nuclear transcriptional coactivator that partners with the POU domain transcription factors OCT1 and OCT2. It is essential for B-cell responses to antigen. Browse Assay Genie's current range of POU2AF1 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
POU2AF1 is a transcriptional coactivator that specifically associates with either POU2F1 (OCT1) or POU2F2 (OCT2). It recognises the POU domains of both factors. It boosts promoter activity mediated by OCT1 and, to a lesser extent, by OCT2. In keeping with this role, the NCBI Gene summary describes it as enabling transcription coactivator activity, contributing to positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II, and forming part of an RNA polymerase II transcription regulator complex.
The POU2AF1 protein is localised to the nucleus and belongs to the POU2AF family. It does not act alone: its function depends on docking with the POU domain of its OCT partners. In B cells it acts as an OCT2 coactivator and regulates IL-6 expression. Functional work on this pathway therefore often considers POU2AF1 together with POU2F1 and POU2F2.
The biological importance of POU2AF1 lies in the B-cell lineage. UniProt annotates it as essential for the response of B cells to antigens and required for the formation of germinal centres. The gene is known by several names, including OBF1, BOB1 and OCA-B, which reflect its discovery as an octamer-binding factor coactivator. The mouse ortholog is Pou2af1. Researchers use the POU2AF1 gene and protein as a model for coactivator-dependent transcription in B-cell biology.
POU2AF1 is essential for the response of B cells to antigens, making it a key factor in studies of B-cell activation.
POU2AF1 is required for the formation of germinal centres, so it is relevant to work on the humoral immune response.
POU2AF1 boosts OCT1-mediated and, to a lesser extent, OCT2-mediated promoter activity, offering a model of POU domain coactivation.
POU2AF1 acts as an OCT2 coactivator to regulate IL-6 expression in B cells, linking transcription control to cytokine output.
POU2AF1 is a transcriptional coactivator that associates specifically with OCT1 (POU2F1) or OCT2 (POU2F2) by recognising their POU domains. It boosts OCT1-mediated promoter activity and, to a lesser extent, OCT2-mediated activity. It is essential for B-cell responses to antigens and for germinal centre formation.
POU2AF1 is also called OBF1, BOB1 and OCA-B. Its HGNC name is POU class 2 homeobox associating factor 1, and earlier names include POU domain class 2, associating factor 1. UniProt lists it as POU domain class 2-associating factor 1, a member of the POU2AF family.
The mouse ortholog is Pou2af1, so the protein can be studied in mouse models of B-cell function. Cross-species use of any reagent depends on its validation, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Partner POU domain transcription factors and other POU family members with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q16633; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.