PAX8
is a member of the paired box (PAX) family of transcription factors. Members of
this gene family typically encode proteins which contain a paired box domain, an
octapeptide, and a paired-type homeodomain. This family plays critical roles
during fetal development and cancer growth. PAX8 is involved in kidney cell
differentiation, thyroid development, or thyroid dysgenesis. Studies show that
expression of the PAX8 gene was found in 89% of analyzed tumor samples. The
expression of the PAX8 target genes were found in all normal renal samples. PAX8
has been shown to be expressed in three of the most common types of renal cell
carcinoma including clear cell, chromophobe and papillary carcinoma but negative
for uroepithelial carcinoma of renal pelvis. PAX8 stains nuclei exclusively and
performs well in formalin-fixed paraffinembedded tissues. PAX8 has been shown to
be a superior marker compared to the Renal Cell Carcinoma Marker
(RCC).