[Identification of the OCT4-pg1 retrogene and NANOG gene expression in the human embryonic eye]

The goal of this study was the search for and structure-function analysis of the regulatory genes specific for pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). This was the first study in which PCR was used to obtain DNA fragments with primers constructed on the basis of OCT4 and NANOG mRNA. cDNA synthesized on mRNA isolated from human embryonic eye in the 9.5th week of development was used as a template in PCR analysis. PCR fragment DNA was sequenced. A comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences demonstrated their 100% homology with the OCT4-pg1 retrogene and NANOG gene. Expression of the genes of interest was reliably detected in the cornea, crystalline lens, retina, and eye tunics in the 10.5th week of development. The nuclear localization of the products of the NANOG gene and OCT4-pg1 retrogene indicates that these proteins are classified with transcription factors. The role of the OCT4-pg1 retrogene and NANOG gene in self-renewal and differentiation of pluripotent cells in a developing eye is discussed.