Skn-1a and Skn-1i: two functionally distinct Oct-2-related factors expressed in epidermis.

Two forms of a member of the POU domain family of transcriptional regulators, highly related to Oct-2, are selectively expressed in terminally differentiating epidermis and hair follicles. One form, referred to as Skn-1i, contains an amino-terminal domain that inhibits DNA binding and can inhibit transactivation by Oct-1. A second form, Skn-1a, contains an alternative amino terminus and serves to activate cytokeratin 10 (K10) gene expression. The pattern of expression of the Skn-1a/i gene products and the effect of the alternative products on the expression of other genes suggest that these factors serve regulatory functions with respect to epidermal development.