pax-2

PAX2 is a member of the pair box (PAX) gene family.  PAX2 is expressed in the developing central nervous system, eye, ear, and urogenital tract, being essential for the development of these organs. PAX2 is first detected in the intermediate mesoderm, from which the Wolffian duct and the kidneys derive.  PAX2 is expressed in Wolffian ducts and all stages of developing kidneys.  

Immunohistochemical expression

• Epithelial cells of the Fallopian tube, endometrial and cervical glands1.  Endometrial expression is enhanced in the proliferative phase1.

• Ovarian endometriotic epithelium1

• Renal cell carcinomas

• Wilms tumours

• Nephrogenic adenomas

Diagnostic utility

• positive in many serous ovarian tumours but negative in most peritoneal malignant mesotheliomas

References

1 Tong GX, Chiriboga L, Hamele-Bena D, Borczuk AC. Expression of PAX2 in papillary serous carcinoma of the ovary: immunohistochemical evidence of fallopian tube or secondary Mullerian system origin? Mod Pathol. 2007 Aug;20(8):856-63.  FULL TEXT

This page last revised 4.12..2010

©SMUHT/PW Bishop