UTF1 (gene)

Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 is a is_associated_with::protein in humans that is encoded by the UTF1 is_associated_with::gene. UTF1, first reported in 1998, is expressed in pluripotent cells including is_associated_with::embryonic stem cells and embryonic carcinoma cells. Its expression is rapidly reduced upon differentiation. UTF1 protein is localized to the cell nucleus, where it functions to regulate the pluripotent is_associated_with::chromatin state and buffer is_associated_with::mRNA levels by promoting degradation of is_associated_with::mRNA.

Aberrant expression of UTF1 has also been reported in is_associated_with::cervical cancer cells, where the UTF1 is_associated_with::gene promoter loses is_associated_with::methylation and becomes abnormally expressed compared to normal cervical cells.