Mesoderm-specific transcript homolog protein is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MEST gene. This gene encodes a member of the Alpha/beta hydrolase superfamily and has isoform-specific imprinting. The loss of imprinting of this gene has been linked to certain types of cancer and may be due to promoter switching. Three transcript variants encoding two distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene. A pseudogene for this locus is located on chromosome 6. MEST is highly expressed during embryonic development, particularly in mesoderm-derived tissues, and is implicated in the regulation of fetal growth and differentiation. It is also expressed in the placenta, where it is thought to contribute to nutrient exchange and the establishment of normal growth trajectories. In animal models, Disruption of MEST expression has been associated with growth abnormalities, including reduced fetal growth and altered adipose development. In humans, dysregulation of paternal MEST imprinting has been linked to imprinting disorders such as Silver-Russel syndrome, supporting its role in epigenetic control of growth and development.
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