title: Pax6: a multi-level regulator of ocular development.
abstract: Eye development has been a paradigm for the study of organogenesis, from the demonstration of lens induction through epithelial tissue morphogenesis, to neuronal specification and differentiation. The transcription factor Pax6 has been shown to play a key role in each of these processes. Pax6 is required for initiation of developmental pathways, patterning of epithelial tissues, activation of tissue-specific genes and interaction with other regulatory pathways. Herein we examine the data accumulated over the last few decades from extensive analyses of biochemical modules and genetic manipulation of the Pax6 gene. Specifically, we describe the regulation of Pax6's expression pattern, the protein's DNA-binding properties, and its specific roles and mechanisms of action at all stages of lens and retinal development. Pax6 functions at multiple levels to integrate extracellular information and execute cell-intrinsic differentiation programs that culminate in the specification and differentiation of a distinct ocular lineage.
authors.affiliation: Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
authors.forename: Ohad
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Shaham
authors.forename: Yotam
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Menuchin
authors.forename: Chen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Farhy
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ashery-Padan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005123:Eye / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000196:embryology; D008954:Models, Biological; D000071841:PAX6 Transcription Factor; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D012160:Retina / Q000196:embryology
chemical_list: D005136:Eye Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; D000071841:PAX6 Transcription Factor; C000605730:PAX6 protein, human; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors; D012097:Repressor Proteins