Involved in the maintenance of embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency. Dispensable for self-renewal of pluripotent ES cells and establishment of germ cells. Associates with specific target mRNAs (By similarity). Expressed in primordial germ (PGC), embryonic germ (EGC) and embryonic stem (ESC) cells. Not detected in embryonic carcinoma (ECC) cells. Down-regulated in differentiated embryonic stem (ESC) cells, compared with strong expression in undifferentiated ESC cells. Belongs to the KHDC1 family.