PAX3

The PAX3 gene belongs to a family of PAX genes that plays a critical role in the formation of tissues and organs during embryonic development. The PAX gene family is also important for maintaining the normal function of certain cells after birth. To carry out these roles, the PAX genes provide instructions for making proteins that attach to specific areas of DNA. By attaching to critical DNA regions, PAX proteins help control the activity of particular genes. On the basis of this action, PAX proteins are called transcription factors.

During embryonic development, the PAX3 gene is active in cells called neural crest cells. These cells migrate from the developing spinal cord to specific regions in the embryo. The protein made from the PAX3 gene directs the activity of other genes that signal neural crest cells to form specialized tissues or cell types such as some nerve tissue, bones in the face and skull (craniofacial bones), and pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, which contributes to hair, eye, and skin color. Melanocytes are also found in certain regions of the brain and inner ear. The PAX3 protein is also necessary for the formation of muscle tissue (myogenesis) early in development.

craniofacial-deafness-hand syndrome - caused by mutations in the PAX3 gene

At least one PAX3 gene mutation has been identified in individuals with craniofacial-deafness-hand syndrome, a condition characterized by distinctive facial features, profound hearing loss, and abnormalities of the hand muscles that can restrict movement. The mutation replaces a single protein building block (amino acid) called asparagine with another amino acid called lysine at position 47 in the PAX3 protein (written as Asn47Lys or N47K). This mutation appears to affect the ability of the PAX3 protein to bind to DNA. As a result, the PAX3 protein cannot control the activity of other genes and cannot direct the neural crest cells to form specialized tissues. A lack of specialization of neural crest cells leads to the impaired growth of craniofacial bones, nerve tissue, and muscles seen in craniofacial-deafness-hand syndrome.

Waardenburg syndrome - caused by mutations in the PAX3 gene

Several PAX3 gene mutations have been identified in people with Waardenburg syndrome, types I and III. Some of these mutations change single amino acids used to make the PAX3 protein. Other mutations lead to an abnormally small version of the PAX3 protein. Researchers believe that all PAX3 gene mutations have the same effect: they destroy the ability of the PAX3 protein to bind to DNA and regulate the activity of other genes. As a result, melanocytes do not develop in certain areas of the skin, hair, eyes, and inner ear, leading to hearing loss and the patchy loss of pigmentation that are characteristic features of Waardenburg syndrome. Additionally, loss of PAX3 protein function disrupts development of craniofacial bones and certain muscles, producing the limb and facial features that are unique to Waardenburg syndrome, types I and III.

cancers - associated with the PAX3 gene

A rearrangement of genetic material involving the PAX3 gene is associated with a cancer of muscle tissue called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma that typically affects adolescents and young adults. This rearrangement causes the PAX3 gene to be fused with the FOXO1A gene (also called FKHR) on chromosome 13. The fused PAX3-FOXO1A gene has an increased ability to activate genes involved in myogenesis and can prevent cell death. As a result, muscle cell growth is uncontrolled, which can lead to cancer in those cells.