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Pax genes in embryogenesis and oncogenesis.

Abstract
The paired box genes are a family of nine developmental control genes, which in human beings (PAX) and mice (Pax) encode nuclear transcription factors. The temporal and spatial expressions of these highly conserved genes are tightly regulated during foetal development including organogenesis. PAX/Pax genes are switched off during the terminal differentiation of most structures. Specific mutations within a number of PAX/Pax genes lead to developmental abnormalities in both human beings and mice. Mutation in PAX3 causes Waardenburg syndrome, and craniofacial-deafness-hand syndrome. The Splotch phenotype in mouse exhibits defects in neural crest derivatives such as, pigment cells, sympathetic ganglia and cardiac neural crest-derived structures. The PAX family also plays key roles in several human malignancies. In particular, PAX3 is involved in rhabdomyosarcoma and tumours of neural crest origin, including melanoma and neuroblastoma. This review critically evaluates the roles of PAX/Pax in oncogenesis. It especially highlights recent advances in knowledge of how their genetic alterations directly interfere in the transcriptional networks that regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, migration and survival and may contribute to oncogenesis.
AuthorsQiuyu Wang, Wen-Hui Fang, Jerzy Krupinski, Shant Kumar, Mark Slevin, Patricia Kumar
JournalJournal of cellular and molecular medicine (J Cell Mol Med) Vol. 12 Issue 6A Pg. 2281-94 (Dec 2008) ISSN: 1582-1838 [Print] England
PMID18627422 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
Chemical References
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors
Topics
  • Alternative Splicing
  • Animals
  • Embryonic Development (genetics)
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Melanocytes (cytology, metabolism)
  • Melanoma (etiology, genetics)
  • Mice
  • Models, Genetic
  • Muscle Development (genetics)
  • Neoplasms (etiology, genetics, therapy)
  • Neuroblastoma (etiology, genetics)
  • Neurogenesis (genetics)
  • Oncogenes
  • Paired Box Transcription Factors (genetics)
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma (etiology, genetics)

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