Paired-Box Gene 8 (PAX8) and Its Association With Epithelial Carcinomas

Abstract

Cancer is the second most common culprit of mortality in the United States and epithelial carcinomas are considered as one of the most predominant types of cancer. The association between epithelial cancers and paired-box gene 8 (PAX8) has been studied significantly before. PAX8 belongs to the paired-box gene family, which plays an important role in the organogenesis of different body organ systems, especially the thyroid gland, the renal system, and the Müllerian system. Immunohistochemical staining is being used to detect PAX8 expression in different epithelial cancers and differentiate them from PAX8-negative tumors. In follicular, papillary, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas, targeting the PAX8/peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptors (PPARs) fusion protein is being considered as a potential mechanism for therapy. Moreover, because of its high expression in primary ovarian cancers, PAX8 is being considered as a target for ovarian cancer treatment as well. More studies are needed to test the possibility of using PAX8 as a possible target for managing endometrial carcinomas. In this article, we review the functions of the PAX8 gene, how its mutations lead to the development of certain epithelial carcinomas, how it can be used as a diagnostic or a prognostic marker, and its potential as a therapeutic target for these cancers.

Spontaneous Recurrent Pneumothorax during Pregnancy Secondary to Ectopic Deciduosis

“… 8 However, this is the first case to also document PAX8 presence in the decidual tissue. 4 5 6 7 Given the role of PAX8 in organogenesis of the Müllerian system, 9 10 this recent finding may further reassure the involvement of decidual tissue and provide an opportunity for further scientific inquiry. Due to its uncommon presentation and increased risks associated with operating on a gravid patient, it is likely that pneumothoraces secondary to ectopic deciduosis may be underdiagnosed or mislabeled as an irregular presentation of catamenial pneumothorax.…”

Significance analysis of PAX8 expression in endometrial carcinoma

“…The PAX gene is transcription factors and a key regulator of normal tissue formation and cell differentiation. [ 9 ] The PAX8 gene is abnormally expressed in various solid tumors. In the present study, the significance of PAX8 gene expression in endometrial cancer was analyzed using bioinformatics.…”

“…[ 8 ] Given its high expression in primary ovarian cancer, PAX8 has been considered as a target for ovarian cancer treatment. [ 9 ] The rs10175462 mutation of PAX8 is significantly associated with overall cervical disease. [ 10 ] However, data regarding PAX8 expression in UCEC are limited.…”

PAX8 as a Potential Target for Ovarian Cancer: What We Know so Far

“…54 To date, several immunohistochemical analyses denote PAX8 expression in RCC, endometrial, cervical and various epithelial cancers. 50,[55][56][57] In 2021, numerous and representative studies on PAX8 expression and role in epithelial carcinomas were thoroughly and accurately reviewed by Khizer et al 58 Overall, PAX8 emerges as an important factor for cancer cell growth and viability/survival through transcriptional regulation of key factors such as Bcl2, 59 E2F1, 60 p53 and p21. 61 However, to improve our knowledge on the role of this transcription factor in malignancies, it will be necessary to define the molecular pathways regulated by PAX8 and the multiprotein complexes it is part of in different contexts.…”