PRDM14, a member of the PR domain-containing (PRDM) family, is a site-specific DNA-binding protein. It plays a crucial role in maintaining stemness and pluripotency in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and primordial germ cells (PGCs) via epigenetic mechanisms [2,3]. It is involved in regulating DNA methylation status, ensuring global DNA hypomethylation which is closely associated with cellular pluripotency and totipotency [2].

In mice, Prdm14 is required for the establishment of pluripotency in ESCs and PGCs. It represses the transcription of DNA methyltransferases Dnmt3a/b/l and recruits TET proteins for active demethylation [2]. In cancer, overexpression of PRDM14 enhances cancer cells growth and reduces their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Reducing its expression in cancer cells can enhance drug therapeutic sensitivity, suggesting it as a potential molecular target for cancer therapy [1]. In colorectal cancer, its overexpression promotes the malignant phenotype, correlates with poor prognosis, and is involved in progression and chemoresistance [4]. In breast cancer, silencing PRDM14 via oligonucleotide therapeutics suppresses tumorigenicity and metastasis [5].

In conclusion, PRDM14 is a key regulator for pluripotency and epigenetic reprogramming in normal cells. In disease, especially cancer, it shows oncogenic properties. Studies on PRDM14, including those using mouse models, contribute to understanding its role in normal development and disease, providing potential directions for cancer treatment [1-3, 8, 9].