Abstract
Pax genes encode a family of transcription factors that orchestrate complex processes of lineage determination in the developing embryo. Their key role is to specify and maintain progenitor cells through use of complex molecular mechanisms such as alternate RNA splice forms and gene activation or inhibition in conjunction with protein co-factors. The significance of Pax genes in development is highlighted by abnormalities that arise from the expression of mutant Pax genes. Here, we review the molecular functions of Pax genes during development and detail the regulatory mechanisms by which they specify and maintain progenitor cells across various tissue lineages. We also discuss mechanistic insights into the roles of Pax genes in regeneration and in adult diseases, including cancer.
Keywords
Embryogenesis, Lineage determination, Pax genes, paired box transcription factor, transcription factor PAX2, transcription factor PAX3, transcription factor PAX4, transcription factor PAX5, transcription factor PAX6, transcription factor PAX7, transcription factor PAX8, transcription factor PAX9, article, brain cortex, cancer stem cell, cell differentiation, cell lineage, cell proliferation, gene expression, gene regulatory network, human, morphogenesis, neural crest, neural tube, nonhuman, priority journal, protein function, skeletal muscle, spinal cord, spine, stem cell, tissue regeneration, Embryogenesis, Lineage determination, Pax genes, Animals, Cell Differentiation, Cell Lineage, Cell Proliferation, Embryonic Development, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental, Humans, Models, Biological, Musculoskeletal System, Nervous System, Neural Crest, Neural Plate, Paired Box Transcription Factors, Regeneration, Stem Cells
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2014
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science
Publisher
The Company of Biologist Ltd
School
School of Medical Sciences
RAS ID
19073
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Blake J.A., Ziman M.R. (2014). Pax genes: Regulators of lineage specification and progenitor cell maintenance. Development (Cambridge), 141(4), 737-751. Available here