Developmental pluripotency-associated 5 protein (DPPA5)

Developmental pluripotency-associated 5 protein (DPPA5) is an RNA-binding protein robustly expressed in undifferentiated pluripotent cells, such as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), embryonic germ cells (EGCs), and primordial germ cells, but is rapidly downregulated upon differentiation[1][3][4]. DPPA5 functions as both a molecular marker of pluripotency and an active regulator of stem cell properties. In human pluripotent stem cells, overexpression of DPPA5 increases the stability and function of the pluripotency factor NANOG via a post-transcriptional mechanism, thereby supporting self-renewal and increasing reprogramming efficiency[1][3]. DPPA5 also suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress and reduces apoptosis in certain stem cell contexts, further supporting stem cell maintenance and function[1]. It is considered a reliable marker for identifying pluripotent stem cells and for distinguishing undifferentiated cells from those undergoing lineage commitment[3][4]. There is currently no evidence that DPPA5 is a therapeutic target or has approved interacting drugs[1][3][4].

Other names

ESG1hDPPA5ESG-1Esg1Embryonal stem cell-specific gene 1 proteinembryonal stem cell specific gene 1