PAX9

Paired box gene 9, also known as PAX9, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the PAX9 gene. It is also found in mammals generally.

Function

This gene is a member of the paired box (PAX) family of transcription factors. PAX9 is responsible for tooth development and may more generally involve development of stratified squamous epithelia as well as various organs and skeletal elements. PAX9 plays a role in the absence of wisdom teeth in some human populations (possibly along with the less well studied AXIN2 and MSX1).

Clinical significance

This gene was found amplified in lung cancer. The amplification covers three tissue developmental genes - TTF1, NKX2-8, and PAX9. It appears that certain lung cancer cells select for DNA copy number amplification and increased RNA/protein expression of these three coamplified genes for functional advantages.

Interactions

PAX9 has been shown to interact with JARID1B.

References

Further reading

External links