PAX: developmental control genes in cell growth and differentiation

摘要: Embryonic development requires the generation of undifferentiated cells and their subsequent maturation into differentiated with a specific function. The molecular events that determine identity are evidently complex and, despite encouraging results, remain largely unknown. individual mature phenotype strict control gene expression throughout lifetime. In developing embryo, must be regulated in both time space to ensure embryogenesis proceeds controlled manner correct cell populations develop normally position. genes direct these termed developmental ultimately, they accomplish task by influencing activity other or products. addition role controlling embryonic development, prime candidates for involvement oncogenesis because effects on cellular growth differentiation. Developmental encode wide variety proteins act as nuclear transcription factors, e.g., HOX (1 , 2), engrailed (3, 4), PAX (5, 6), secreted Wnt (7), membrane-bound receptors (8, 9). A key function is influence proliferation rate target so migration patterning occur at required place. Also, such able inhibit further when it S not required. Here, we wish describe how regulatory may part this task. particular, focus family propose models explain some genes, via interaction cycle. have been associated three natural mouse mutants two corresponding human syndromes (Table 1 ; Ref. 6). addition, importance certain has impressively documented loss-of-function studies 0) especially gain-of-function Dmsophila, where PAX6 shown master controller eye I 2). We concentrate primarily PAX5 its paralogues, PAX2 PAX8, reasons: (a) best characterized all genes; (b) identified number different cancers; (c) most importantly, patterns suggest play central prior terminal differentiation are, therefore, likely oncogenesis.