Transcription factor that forms a trimeric complex with OCT4 on DNA and controls the expression of a number of genes involved in embryonic development such as YES1, FGF4, UTF1 and ZFP206 (By similarity). Binds to the proximal enhancer region of NANOG (By similarity). Critical for early embryogenesis and for embryonic stem cell pluripotency (PubMed:18035408). Downstream SRRT target that mediates the promotion of neural stem cell self-renewal (By similarity). Keeps neural cells undifferentiated by counteracting the activity of proneural proteins and suppresses neuronal differentiation (By similarity). May function as a switch in neuronal development (By similarity). Interacts with ZSCAN10 (By similarity). Interacts with SOX3 and FGFR1 (By similarity). Interacts with GLIS1 (PubMed:21654807). Interacts with POU5F1; binds synergistically with POU5F1 to DNA (By similarity). Acetylation contributes to its nuclear localization and deacetylation by HDAC3 induces a cytoplasmic delocalization (By similarity). Colocalizes in the nucleus with ZNF208 isoform KRAB-O and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (By similarity). Colocalizes with SOX6 in speckles. Colocalizes with CAML in the nucleus (By similarity). Nuclear import is facilitated by XPO4, a protein that usually acts as a nuclear export signal receptor (By similarity). The 9aaTAD motif is a transactivation domain present in a large number of yeast and animal transcription factors. Sumoylation inhibits binding on DNA and negatively regulates the FGF4 transactivation. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. POU5F1/OCT4, SOX2, MYC/c-Myc and KLF4 are the four Yamanaka factors. When combined, these factors are sufficient to reprogram differentiated cells to an embryonic-like state designated iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells. iPS cells exhibit the morphology and growth properties of ES cells and express ES cell marker genes. Extended N-terminus. Extended N-terminus. Sox2 entry