The Pax6 gene stands for “Paired Box Gene 6”.Among all the paired box genes, this is the most researched gene.This article tries to understand about this vital gene.
What is a Gene ?
- Human body functions because of the molecules called Proteins.
- Genes are the instructions based on which proteins are made.
- The Genes are made up of the materials called DNA.
- The DNA is located in the nucleus of every cell.
- And cells are the basic building blocks of human body.
What are PAX genes?
- They are a family of 9 genes divided into 4 groups.
- They play a vital role in the development of tissues and organs of a baby in his mother’s womb.
- Most of the PAX genes become inactive after the birth of the child.
- The active PAX gane continue to play vital role in the normal functioning and development of some organs.
Classification of PAX genes:
- Group 1: This group contains PAX1 And PAX9 genes.
- Group 2: This group contains PAX2,PAX5 and PAX8 genes.
- Group 3: This group contains PAX3 and PAX7 genes.
- Group 4: This group contains PAX4 and PAX6 genes.
What is the PAX6 gene?
- Before the child birth,PAX6 gene works in the formation of the eyes,spinal cord,pancreas and certain regions of the brain.
- After the child birth,this works for the development of the structure of the eyes.
- Changes in a gene’s structure or material is called Mutation.
- Mutation of this gene can lead to irregularities in the formation of the eyes before birth.
- After birth,it can result in several eye problems like Aniridia.
- Aniridia is a poorly understood and difficult to treat disease.
- 1 in 40,000 people suffer from Aniridia.In this disease,the eye do not have the Iris.
- Research studies are to be carried out for further understanding of this gene.
