• PGC7 is essential for maintaining pluripotency in F9 embryonic carcinoma cells, counteracting retinoic acid-induced differentiation.
• PGC7 promotes Nanog translation by enhancing YBX1 phosphorylation via AKT1 interaction, reducing YBX1's binding to Nanog mRNA.
• This study reveals a novel non-DNA methylation role of PGC7 in regulating core pluripotency factors at the translational level.
• Findings provide insights into PGC7's function in stem cell biology and potential implications for regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.