title: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Biology, Chemistry and Health Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Department of Pathology Sciences, Christie Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Qiuyu
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Wen-Hui
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: Jerzy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Krupinski
authors.forename: Shant
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Slevin
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kumar
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008545:Melanoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008957:Models, Genetic; D024510:Muscle Development / Q000235:genetics; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics; D055495:Neurogenesis / Q000235:genetics; D009857:Oncogenes; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D012208:Rhabdomyosarcoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors