PAX7

Paired box protein Pax-7 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the PAX7 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
Pax-7 plays a role in is_associated_with::neural crest development and is_associated_with::gastrulation, and it is an important factor in the expression of neural crest markers such as Slug, Sox9, Sox10 and HNK-1. PAX7 is expressed in the palatal shelf of the is_associated_with::maxilla, is_associated_with::Meckel's cartilage, mesencephalon, nasal cavity, nasal epithelium, nasal capsule and is_associated_with::pons.

Pax7 is a transcription factor that plays a role in is_associated_with::myogenesis through regulation of muscle precursor cells proliferation. It can bind to DNA as an heterodimer with PAX3. Also interacts with PAXBP1; the interaction links PAX7 to a WDR5-containing histone methyltransferase complex By similarity. Interacts with DAXX too.

Clinical significance
Pax proteins play critical roles during fetal development and cancer growth. The specific function of the paired box gene 7 is unknown but speculated to involve tumor suppression since fusion of this gene with a forkhead domain family member has been associated with is_associated_with::alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Alternative splicing in this gene has produced two known products but the biological significance of the variants is unknown. Animal studies show that mutant mice have malformation of maxilla and the nose.