Zinc finger protein 42 homolog (ZFP42)

Zinc finger protein 42 homolog (ZFP42, also known as Rex1) is a DNA-binding transcription factor characterized by zinc finger motifs. It is expressed primarily in undifferentiated embryonic stem cells, germ cells, and some adult tissues. ZFP42 plays a critical role in maintaining pluripotency and suppressing differentiation, as its expression is downregulated upon induction of differentiation (e.g., retinoic acid treatment). It is involved in reprogramming X-chromosome inactivation during acquisition of pluripotency and efficient elongation of the noncoding RNA TSIX. Although implicated in cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation, and development, including gonad development and neuronal/vascular differentiation, ZFP42 is not currently considered a direct therapeutic target, nor are there drugs that modulate its activity. Its primary utility is as a molecular marker for pluripotent stem cell characterization and research.

Other names

Rex1ZNF754Zfp-42REX-1hREX-1Reduced expression protein 1Zinc finger protein 754REX1 transcription factorzfp-42