PAX9

Paired box gene 9, also known as PAX9, is a is_associated_with::protein which in humans is encoded by the PAX9 is_associated_with::gene. It is also found in is_associated_with::mammals generally.

Function
This gene is a member of the paired box (PAX) family of is_associated_with::transcription factors. PAX9 is responsible for tooth development and may more generally involve development of stratified squamous epithelia as well as various organs and skeletal elements. PAX9 plays a role in the absence of is_associated_with::wisdom teeth in some human populations (possibly along with the less well studied is_associated_with::AXIN2 and is_associated_with::MSX1).

Clinical significance
This gene was found amplified in is_associated_with::lung cancer. The amplification covers three tissue developmental genes - TTF1, is_associated_with::NKX2-8, and PAX9. It appears that certain lung cancer cells select for DNA copy number amplification and increased RNA/protein expression of these three coamplified genes for functional advantages.

Interactions
PAX9 has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::JARID1B.