Work

Pax-2 is a DNA-binding protein expressed in embryonic kidney and Wilms tumor.

Year: 1992

Type: article

Abstract: The murine Pax-2 gene contains a protein coding domain homologous to the Drosophila paired-box, first described in certain developmental control genes of the segmentation type. Polyclonal antibodies recognize two Pax-2 proteins that are encoded by differentially spliced mRNAs. The Pax-2 proteins can bind a DNA sequence known to interact with the paired domain of a Drosophila protein. By immunocytochemistry, expression of Pax-2 could be localized to the nuclei of condensing mesenchyme cells and their epithelial derivatives in the developing kidney. Expression is abruptly down-regulated as the tubular epithelium differentiates. High levels of Pax-2 expression could also be detected in the epithelial cells of human Wilms tumors. These data suggest that Pax-2 is a transcription factor active during the mesenchyme-to-epithelium transition in early kidney development and in Wilms tumor.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.89.4.1179

Authors: G R Dressler, E C Douglass

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Language: English

Topic: Renal and related cancers

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Cancer Institute