Multiple ATFs composed of three zinc finger proteins linked together can each activate genes that eventually lead to the production of the Oct4 transcription factor in the cell, causing the cell to reprogram to an induced pluripotent state without the addition of external Oct4 transcription factors.
A group of three-protein zinc finger complexes known as ATFs can trigger gene activation leading to the creation of the Oct4 transcription factor in a cell. This process allows the cell to revert to an induced pluripotent state, bypassing the need for external Oct4 factors.