Pax-2 is a DNA-binding protein expressed in embryonic kidney and Wilms tumor.
The murine Pax-2 gene contains a protein coding domain homologous to the Drosophila paired-box, first described in certain developmental control genes of the segmentation type. Polyclonal antibodies recognize two Pax-2 proteins that are encoded by differentially spliced mRNAs. The Pax-2 proteins can bind a DNA sequence known to interact with the paired domain of a Drosophila protein. By immunocytochemistry, expression of Pax-2 could be localized to the nuclei of condensing mesenchyme cells and their epithelial derivatives in the developing kidney. Expression is abruptly down-regulated as the tubular epithelium differentiates. High levels of Pax-2 expression could also be detected in the epithelial cells of human Wilms tumors. These data suggest that Pax-2 is a transcription factor active during the mesenchyme-to-epithelium transition in early kidney development and in Wilms tumor.
Dressler
G R
GR
Laboratory of Mammalian Genes and Development, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Douglass
E C
EC
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D015153:Blotting, Western; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D007668:Kidney / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides / Q000737:chemistry; D051762:PAX2 Transcription Factor; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D012045:Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009396:Wilms Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D009838:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides; D051762:PAX2 Transcription Factor; C497319:Pax2 protein, mouse; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors