PAX3: A Molecule with Oncogenic or Tumor Suppressor Function Is Involved in Cancer

Figure 1

Oncogenic role of PAX3 in various types of cancer. PAX3 isoforms play a role in myogenesis, melanogenesis, and neurogenesis. PAX3 is involved in physiological events such as cell cycle, apoptosis, cell adhesion, and cytoskeletal remodelling and development. Overexpression of PAX3 inhibits the differentiation of muscle tissues and muscle specific transcription factors. While overexpression of PAX3 was observed in various types of cancers, PAX3-FKHR leads to tumorigenesis in rhabdomyosarcoma through altering the MET, PTEN, or AP2 signaling pathways. PAX3-FKHR can induce cellular transformation and prevent apoptosis. Reduction of PAX3 prevents development of glioma and also induces a loss of melanogenesis in melanoma. MITF mRNA and gene promoter activity is also decreased because of the PAX3 reduction. Melanoma susceptibility and progression genes like SCF, TGF-β, MUC18, RhoC, and TIMP3 can be regulated by PAX3 and its leads to melanoma.