This gene encodes a member of the POU-domain family of transcription factors. POU-domain proteins have been observed to play important roles in control of cell identity in several systems. This protein is found in the retina and may play a role in determining or maintaining the identities of a small subset of visual system neurons. Defects in this gene are the cause of non-syndromic sensorineural deafness autosomal dominant type 15. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2009]
Forensic Context
A study in humans demonstrated that the POU4F3 was identified as a high-confidence gene in common between mice and humans within the top 10% of genes related to lifetime alcohol consumption [Farris et al. DOI:10.1038/Mp.2014.159].