Plays a role in differentiation and/or proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells. Proposed to be involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, another study suggests that it is not required for EMT or stem cell self-renewal and acts during later stages of differentiation. Has low expression in pericytes and adventitial vascular cells (ASC) derived from adipose tissue. Highly expressed in differentiating mesenchymal stem cells derived from pericytes and ASC.