Paired box gene 4, also known as PAX4, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the PAX4 gene.
This gene is a member of the paired box (PAX) family of transcription factors. Members of this gene family typically contain a paired box domain, an octapeptide, and a paired-type homeodomain. These genes play critical roles during fetal development and cancer growth. The paired box gene 4 is involved in pancreatic islet development and mouse studies have demonstrated a role for this gene in differentiation of insulin-producing beta cells.
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.