The ZFP42, also known as REX1, is a transcriptional regulator and a member of the zinc finger protein family. It is specifically highly expressed in pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells, and is one of the key molecules for maintaining cell pluripotency and self-renewal capacity. Its expression level rapidly declines with cell differentiation, making it widely used as a reliable marker for the pluripotent state. Studies have shown that ZFP42 is involved in inhibiting differentiation programs and maintaining stemness by regulating the transcription of downstream target genes. Additionally, its abnormal expression in various tumors suggests that it may be involved in tumorigenesis and development, making it an important subject in the research of regenerative medicine, developmental biology, and oncology.