PAX4

PAX4 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 4 gene is involved in pancreatic islet development and mouse studies have demonstrated a role for this gene in differentiation of insulin-producing beta cells.

Full Name

Paired Box 4

Function

Plays an important role in the differentiation and development of pancreatic islet beta cells. Transcriptional repressor that binds to a common element in the glucagon, insulin and somatostatin promoters. Competes with PAX6 for this same promoter binding site. Isoform 2 appears to be a dominant negative form antagonizing PAX4 transcriptional activity.

Biological Process

Anatomical structure developmentManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central
Animal organ morphogenesisManual Assertion Based On ExperimentTAS:ProtInc
Cell differentiationIEA:UniProtKB-KW
Pancreas developmentIEA:InterPro
Regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase IIManual Assertion Based On ExperimentIBA:GO_Central

Cellular Location

Nucleus

Involvement in disease

Diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-dependent (NIDDM):
A multifactorial disorder of glucose homeostasis caused by a lack of sensitivity to the body's own insulin. Affected individuals usually have an obese body habitus and manifestations of a metabolic syndrome characterized by diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia. The disease results in long-term complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.
Diabetes mellitus, insulin-dependent (IDDM):
A multifactorial disorder of glucose homeostasis that is characterized by susceptibility to ketoacidosis in the absence of insulin therapy. Clinical features are polydipsia, polyphagia and polyuria which result from hyperglycemia-induced osmotic diuresis and secondary thirst. These derangements result in long-term complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.
Diabetes mellitus, ketosis-prone (KPD):
An atypical form of diabetes mellitus characterized by an acute initial presentation with severe hyperglycemia and ketosis, as seen in classic type 1 diabetes, but after initiation of insulin therapy, prolonged remission is often possible with cessation of insulin therapy and maintenance of appropriate metabolic control. Metabolic studies show a markedly blunted insulin secretory response to glucose, partially reversible with the improvement of blood glucose control. Variable levels of insulin resistance are observed, especially in obese patients. Pancreatic beta-cell autoimmunity is a rare finding.
Maturity-onset diabetes of the young 9 (MODY9):
A form of diabetes that is characterized by an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance, onset in childhood or early adulthood (usually before 25 years of age), a primary defect in insulin secretion and frequent insulin-independence at the beginning of the disease.