An Insight into the Role of UTF1 in Development, Stem Cells, and Cancer

The curiosity to understand the mechanisms regulating transcription in pluripotent cells resulted in identifying a unique transcription factor named Undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1). This proline-rich, nuclear protein is highly conserved among placental mammals with prominent expression observed in pluripotent, germ, and cancer cells. In pluripotent and germ cells, its role has been implicated primarily in proper cell differentiation, whereas in cancer, it shows tissue-specific function, either as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene. Furthermore, UTF1 is crucial for germ cell development, spermatogenesis, and maintaining male fertility in mice. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated the importance of UTF1 in the generation of high quality induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and as an excellent biomarker to identify bona fide iPSCs. Functionally, UTF1 aids in establishing a favorable chromatin state in embryonic stem cells, reducing "transcriptional noise" and possibly functions similarly in re-establishing this state in differentiated cells upon their reprogramming to generate mature iPSCs. This review highlights the multifaceted roles of UTF1 and its implication in development, spermatogenesis, stem, and cancer cells.