This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Mansouri, A. Articles by Gruss, P. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Mansouri, A. Articles by Gruss, P.

Pax Genes and Their Role in Organogenesis¹

Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 D-Göttingen, Germany

² To whom requests for reprints should be addressed, at Department of Cell Biology, Max Plank Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg, 37077 D-Göttingen Germany.

Pax genes have been cloned on the basis of their homology to the Drosophila segmentation gene paired. They share a common domain, the paired domain, that is sufficient to mediate sequence-specific DNA binding. Thus far, nine members have been characterized, which exhibit highly restricted temporal and spatial expression patterns. The analysis of mouse mutants has revealed their crucial role in the formation of a variety of tissues. In particular, they are involved in the regulation of early steps in organ development. They act to define the regional specification of distinct germ layers.

¹ Presented at the "General Motors Cancer Research Foundation Twentieth Annual Scientific Conference: Developmental Biology and Cancer," June 9–10, 1998, Bethesda, MD. This work was supported by the Max-Planck society.

Received 11/11/98. Accepted 2/ 1/99.