This intronless gene was thought to be a transcribed pseudogene of POU class 5 homeobox 1, however, it has been reported that this gene can encode a functional protein. The encoded protein is nearly the same length as and highly similar to the POU class 5 homeobox 1 transcription factor, has been shown to be a weak transcriptional activator and may play a role in carcinogenesis and eye development. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2009].
Panagopoulos, Möller, Collin, Mertens: "The POU5F1P1 pseudogene encodes a putative protein similar to POU5F1 isoform 1." in: Oncology reports, Vol. 20, Issue 5, pp. 1029-33, (2008) (PubMed).