Pax-2: a developmental gene constitutively expressed in the mouse epididymis and ductus deferens.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize expression of the transcriptional activator, Pax-2, in the mouse lower genitourinary tract.


METHODS
Expression of Pax-2 was studied by Northern analysis, ribonuclease protection and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Immunostaining revealed localized expression in the epithelium of the ductus deferens and epididymis at all time points from birth to adulthood. Expression in these structures in adult mice was confirmed by Northern analysis and ribonuclease protection assays.


CONCLUSIONS
Pax-2 is a transcriptional regulator expressed in the epithelium of the ductus deferens and epididymis and may be a regulator of epithelial genes involved in sperm maturation and support.
Oefelein
M
M
Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Grapey
D
D
Schaeffer
T
T
Chin-Chance
C
C
Bushman
W
W
D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D004822:Epididymis / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D051762:PAX2 Transcription Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000378:metabolism*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D051762:PAX2 Transcription Factor; C497319:Pax2 protein, mouse; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors