What is it about?
Pax6 is a transcription factor which acts a s a master gene for eye structure formation during embryo development. It shows several isoforms originated by alternative splicing during mRNA synthesis. In this work we demonstrate that Pax6 is essential for corneal epithelial differentiation. Its over-expression blocks cell proliferation and enhances cell differentiation. Cell culture conditions which support cell prolioferation and delay differentiation led to Pax6 turn-off.
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Why is it important?
This paper is important because it demonstrates that corneal epithelial differentiation is driven by Pax6 and suggest that Pax6 isoforms may be playing differential activities during cell differentiation and wound repair. It is suggested that some isoforms could be antagonist of the canonical isoform.
Perspectives
This work open the possibility to understand the differential activities of protein isoforms generated by alternative splicing, and perhaps differential gene expression. Additional work will be necessary to understand such differential activities and complementary or antagonistic roles.
Dr Federico Castro-Munozledo
Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN
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This page is a summary of: Pax-6 is expressed early in the differentiation of a corneal epithelial model system, Journal of Cellular Physiology, August 2009, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21771.
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