PAX2

PAX2 (Paired Box Gene 2): PAX2 is a crucial transcription factor in the paired box gene family, playing an essential role in the development of the kidneys and the urinary tract. It acts early in the embryonic stages to regulate the formation of tissues and organs, guiding the development of the renal system, eye, ear, and central nervous system. By influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, PAX2 helps in the formation of essential structures within these systems. Aberrations in PAX2 expression or function have been linked to congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), as well as to conditions affecting vision and hearing. Beyond development, PAX2's role in cellular processes implicates it in cancer biology, where it may contribute to tumor progression and metastasis, particularly in renal and ovarian cancers. The study of PAX2 not only sheds light on developmental biology but also offers potential therapeutic targets for addressing congenital disorders and malignancies related to its dysregulation.