<b>OBJECTIVEb>To study the expression of carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), PAX2 and PAX8 in different types of renal epithelial tumor and their association with clinicopathologic characteristics.

<b>METHODSb>Immunohistochemical study by EnVision method was performed in order to assess the expression of CAIX, PAX2 and PAX8 in 155 cases of renal cell carcinoma and 4 cases of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Ninety-six cases of non-neoplastic renal parenchymal tissue adjacent to CCRCC, 8 cases of clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma and 2 cases of clear cell hidradenoma were used as controls.

<b>RESULTSb>CAIX was commonly expressed in CCRCC (94.0%, 63/67), of which 77.8% (49/63) showed strong positivity. CAIX was focally positive in papillary renal cell carcinoma, collecting duct carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis. It was negative in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, oncocytoma and adjacent non-neoplastic renal tissue. CAIX was also strongly expressed in the 4 cases of metastatic CCRCC. Focal expression of CAIX was demonstrated in the 8 cases of clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma and 2 cases of clear cell hidradenoma. The expression of CAIX in CCRCC did not correlate with tumor grading, clinical staging and presence of distal metastasis. On the other hand, PAX2 showed positive expression in different types of renal epithelial tumor, clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma and clear cell hidradenoma in various degrees. In contrast, PAX8 was commonly expressed in all types of renal epithelial tumor, with the exception of urothelial carcinoma of renal pelvis. PAX8 was not expressed in clear cell hepatocellular carcinoma and clear cell hidradenoma. Regarding diagnosis of CCRCC, CAIX demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity. PAX2 showed high specificity but low sensitivity. PAX8 was sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of renal epithelial tumor.

<b>CONCLUSIONSb>CAIX is a useful immunohistochemical marker with high specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing CCRCC from other types of renal epithelial tumor and clear cell tumors of non-renal origin. PAX2 is a marker with high sensitivity and low specificity for diagnosis of renal epithelial tumors. PAX8 is typically expressed in renal epithelial tumors. The combined detection of CAIX, PAX2 and PAX8 is useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of renal epithelial tumors.

Adenoma, Oxyphilic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Antigens, Neoplasm ; metabolism ; Carbonic Anhydrase IX ; Carbonic Anhydrases ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Kidney Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; PAX2 Transcription Factor ; metabolism ; PAX8 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; metabolism

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To detect the PAX3/PAX7-FKHR fusion transcripts to identify genetic alteration in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) tissues.

<b>METHODSb>One-step reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of the PAX3/PAX7-FKHR fusion transcrips in 16 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma (7 cases of ARMS, 9 cases of ERMS) and 16 specimens were compared to the surrounding normal tissue. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was employed to detect the genomic imbalance (DNA loss or amplification) in 16 RMS cases.

<b>RESULTSb>PAX3-FKHR fusion transcripts were positive in 3/7 and PAX 7-FKHR fusion transcripts were positive in 2/7 of ARMS patients, respectively, and were all negative in ERMS and Control tumors. There were different chromosome variations for each RMS, chromosome amplification was frequently seen in 1p36 (69%), 5q32 (56%), 8q21 (63%), 13q14 (69%), 19q (63%), 20q (56%). Chromosome loss was frequently seen in 3p21-pter (56%), 9p23-pter (50%), 10q (69%), 16/16q24 (56%).

<b>CONCLUSIONb>One-step RT-PCR assay for detection specific fusion gene provides a useful tool for confirmation of the diagnosis of RMS in diagnostically difficult cases and in retrospective studies. Chimeric gene transcript resulting from specific chromosomal translocations is a reliable index for the molecular diagnosis of RMS.

Chromosome Aberrations ; Comparative Genomic Hybridization ; Forkhead Box Protein O1 ; Forkhead Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion ; genetics ; PAX3 Transcription Factor ; PAX7 Transcription Factor ; genetics ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rhabdomyosarcoma ; genetics

<b>BACKGROUNDb>Waardenburg syndrome type I (WS1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by sensorineural hearing loss, pigmental abnormalities of the eye, hair and skin, and dystopia canthorum. The gene mainly responsible for WS1 is PAX3 which is involved in melanocytic development and survival. Mutations of PAX3 have been reported in familiar or sporadic patients with WS1 in several populations of the world except Chinese. In order to explore the genetic background of Chinese WS1 patients, a mutation screening of PAX3 gene was carried out in four WS1 pedigrees.

<b>METHODSb>A questionnaire survey and comprehensive clinical examination were conducted in four Chinese pedigrees of WS1. Genomic DNA from each patient and their family members was extracted and exons of PAX3 were amplified by PCR. PCR fragments were ethanol-purified and sequenced in both directions on an ABI_Prism 3100 DNA sequencer with the BigDye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit. The sequences were obtained and aligned to the wild type sequence of PAX3 with the GeneTool program.

<b>RESULTSb>Two nonsense PAX3 mutations have been found in the study population. One is heterozygous for a novel nonsense mutation S209X. The other is heterozygous for a previously reported mutation in European population R223X. Both mutations create stop codons leading to truncation of the PAX3 protein.

<b>CONCLUSIONSb>This is the first demonstration of PAX3 mutations in Chinese WS1 patients and one of the few examples of an identical mutation of PAX3 occurred in different populations.

Codon, Nonsense ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; PAX3 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Waardenburg Syndrome ; genetics

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To investigate the mutation of PAX6 gene in a Chinese family affected with congenital aniridia.

<b>METHODSb>Blood samples were drawn from family members, and DNA was analyzed by direct sequencing.

<b>RESULTSb>A heterozygous mutation (c.151 G>A) was identified in the PAX6 gene in the proband and other patients from the family. The same mutation was not found among unaffected family members and 160 unrelated healthy controls.

<b>CONCLUSIONb>A novel mutation in the PAX6 gene has been identified in a Chinese family affected with aniridia.

Aniridia ; genetics ; Eye Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; PAX6 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To identify potential mutation of the PAX6 gene in a family affected with congenital aniridia from northeastern China.

<b>METHODSb>Two patients were collected from the family and underwent full ophthalmologic examinations. Genomic DNA was extracted from all family numbers and 100 healthy controls. The coding regions and flanking sequence of the PAX6 gene were amplified by PCR amplification and subjected to bidirectional DNA sequencing.

<b>RESULTSb>A nonsense mutation (c.718 C>T) was identified in exon 9 in both patients but not in other unaffected families or the 100 healthy controls. However, obvious difference was noted in the phenotype between the two patients. One of the patient has presented irregular cornea, which was infrequently reported.

<b>CONCLUSIONb>A c.718C>T transitional mutation has been found to underlie the aniridia, which showed an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern in this northeastern Chinese family.

Aniridia ; genetics ; Eye Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; PAX6 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics

<b>BACKGROUNDb>Mutations in PAX6 gene have been shown to be the genetic cause of aniridia, which is a severe panocular eye disease characterised by iris hypoplasia. However, there is no study to do genetic analysis of aniridia, although there are several case reports in China. Here, we describe a mutation analysis of PAX6 in a large Chinese family with aniridia.

<b>METHODSb>Genomic DNA from venous blood samples was prepared. Haplotype analysis was performed with two genetic markers (D11S904 and D11S935). Fourteen exons of the PAX6 gene were amplified from genomic DNA. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of each exon were analysed by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP). The PCR products having an abnormal pattern were sequenced to confirm the mutation.

<b>RESULTSb>Significant evidence for allele sharing in affected patients was detected suggesting that PAX6 mutation links to aniridia in this family. An extra band corresponding to exon 9 in PAX6 was found by single strand conformational polymorphism analysis in all the aniridia patients in this family, but not detected in the unaffected members. A mutation of C to T was detected by sequencing at the nucleotide 1080 that converts the Arg codon (CGA) to the termination codon (TGA).

<b>CONCLUSIONSb>Aniridia is caused by a nonsense mutation of PAX6 gene in the large Chinese kindred. Genetic test is important to prevent the transmission of aniridia to their offsprings in the kindred by prenatal diagnosis.

Aniridia ; genetics ; Eye Proteins ; genetics ; Female ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; PAX6 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; Pedigree ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To explore the patterns of Cx43 and Pax3 protein expressions in the small intestinal muscular layers of human embryo during early development.

<b>METHODSb>Immunohistochemistry with SABC method was employed to examine the expression of Cx43 and Pax3 proteins in the muscular layers of the small intestine in early human embryos in the second to fourth months of gestation.

<b>RESULTSb>In the second month of gestation, the muscle layer of the small intestine was negative for Cx43 and Pax3 protein expressions. In the third month, Cx43 and Pax3 expressions were negative in the inner circular muscle layer, but some positive cells were found in the longitudinal muscle layer and the myenteric plexus. In the fourth month, positive expression of Cx43 and Pax3 proteins were seen in the entire muscle layer.

<b>CONCLUSIONb>Cx43 and Pax3 proteins are closely related to the growth and development of the cells and tissues in the small intestinal muscle layer in human embryos.

Connexin 43 ; biosynthesis ; Embryo, Mammalian ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intestine, Small ; embryology ; metabolism ; Muscle, Smooth ; embryology ; metabolism ; PAX3 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; biosynthesis

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To observe the effects of paired box gene 8 (Pax-8) silencing by RNA interference on mitochondrial function and cardiomyocytes apoptosis.

<b>METHODSb>The cultured H9C2 (2-1) myocytes were divided into 3 groups: short interference RNA targeting Pax-8 (Pax-8 siRNA) group, non-specific siRNA group as the negative control (NC siRNA), and blank control group (BC siRNA). Fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to detect the activity of caspase-3. RT-PCR was performed to detect mRNA expression of Bcl2 and Bax. The protein expression of Bcl2, Bax and cytoplasm of Cytochrome was examined by Western blot. Changes of ΔΨm were detected by flow cytometry.ΔΨm with JC-1 monomer/polymer ratio was calculated for measuring mitochondrial depolarization proportion.

<b>RESULTSb>Compared to NC siRNA and BC siRNA group (0.075 ± 0.021, 0.072 ± 0.019), the activity of caspase-3 in Pax-8 siRNA group (0.167 ± 0.012) was significantly increased (P < 0.05); Bcl2 mRNA and protein expression in Pax-8 siRNA group (0.61 ± 0.06, 0.94 ± 0.11) were significantly downregulated compared with NC siRNA group (0.90 ± 0.070, 1.39 ± 0.15) and BC siRNA group (0.94 ± 0.087, 1.49 ± 0.20) (P < 0.05); Bax mRNA and protein expression in Pax-8 siRNA group (1.05 ± 0.10, 1.25 ± 0.12) were markedly upregulated compared with NC siRNA group (0.72 ± 0.03, 0.99 ± 0.12) and BC siRNA group (0.64 ± 0.03, 0.92 ± 0.06), P < 0.05; cytosolic cytochrome expression in Pax-8 siRNA group (0.75 ± 0.14) was significantly upregulated compared with NC siRNA group (0.51 ± 0.06) and BC siRNA group (0.48 ± 0.07) (P < 0.05); JC-1 monomer/polymer ratio in Pax-8 siRNA group (0.163 ± 0.011) was significantly increased compared with NC siRNA group (0.092 ± 0.015) and BC siRNA group (0.072 ± 0.025) (P < 0.05) indicating mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced in Pax-8 siRNA group. Above parameters were similar between NC siRNA group and BC siRNA group (P > 0.05).

<b>CONCLUSIONb>Inhibiting Pax-8 results in enhanced cardiomyocytes apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway.

Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cells, Cultured ; Mitochondria, Heart ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; metabolism ; PAX8 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Rats ; Transfection

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To perform genetic analysis for 7 patients with Waardenburg syndrome.

<b>METHODSb>Potential mutation of MITF, PAX3, SOX10 and SNAI2 genes was screened by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Functions of non-synonymous polymorphisms were predicted with PolyPhen2 software.

<b>RESULTSb>Seven mutations, including c.649-651delAGA (p.R217del), c.72delG (p.G24fs), c.185T>C (p.M62T), c.118C>T (p.Q40X), c.422T>C (p.L141P), c.640C>T (p.R214X) and c.28G>T(p.G43V), were detected in the patients. Among these, four mutations of the PAX3 gene (c.72delG, c.185T>C, c.118C>T and c.128G>T) and one SOX10 gene mutation (c.422T>C) were not reported previously. Three non-synonymous SNPs (c.185T>C, c.128G>T and c.422T>C) were predicted as harmful.

<b>CONCLUSIONb>Genetic mutations have been detected in all patients with Waardenburg syndrome.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor ; genetics ; Mutation ; PAX3 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; SOXE Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Waardenburg Syndrome ; genetics

<b>OBJECTIVEb>The PAX6 gene encodes a transcriptional regulator involved in oculogenesis and other developmental processes such as aniridia, a congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment of the iris of eyes. The function of the PAX6 gene in these two conditions is still poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to identify the mutation of the PAX6 gene in a Chinese family with aniridia.

<b>METHODSb>Two aniridia patients collected from the family underwent full ophthalmologic examination. Genomic DNA was prepared from venous leukocytes of the two patients and five healthy individuals in the family, and 100 unrelated healthycontrols. Exons 4-13 and their immediate flanking sequences of the PAX6 gene was analyzed by PCR amplification, direct sequencing, and single-strand conformation polymorphism(SSCP).

<b>RESULTSb>The sequencing result revealed a novel PAX6 mutation in the two patients. It was a heterozygous mutation (IVS10+1G>A) at the boundary of exon 10 and intron 10. The mutation was also detected by SSCP analysis. It was not detected in the healthy relatives and unrelated controls.

<b>CONCLUSIONb>Aniridia is an autosomal dominant inheritable disease. A novel PAX6 gene mutation has been identified in the Northeastern Chinese family with aniridia. The genetic analysis suggested that this novel mutation in the PAX6 gene is capable of causing the classic aniridia phenotype.

Aniridia ; genetics ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Eye Abnormalities ; genetics ; Eye Proteins ; genetics ; Heterozygote ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; Humans ; Mutation ; PAX6 Transcription Factor ; Paired Box Transcription Factors ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Repressor Proteins ; genetics