Recent studies have reported the role of p53 in suppressing the pluripotency of embryonic
stem (ES) cells after DNA damage and blocking the reprogramming of somatic cells into
induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. However, to date no evidence has been presented to
support the function of p53 in unstressed ES cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of
pifithrin (PFT)-α, an inhibitor of p53-dependent transcriptional activation, on self-renewal of
ES cells. Our results revealed that treatment of ES cells with PFT-α resulted in the inhibition …

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We determine the role of p53 in ES cells under
unstressful conditions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PFT-{alpha} suppresses ES cell
proliferation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PFT-{alpha} induces ES cell cycle arrest. Black-
Right-Pointing-Pointer PFT-{alpha} downregulates Nanog and cyclin D1.--Abstract: Recent
studies have reported the role of p53 in suppressing the pluripotency of embryonic stem
(ES) cells after DNA damage and blocking the reprogramming of somatic cells into induced …