Anti-PAX6

This gene encodes a homeobox and paired domain-containing protein that binds DNA and functions as a regulator of transcription. Activity of this protein is key in the development of neural tissues, particularly the eye. This gene is regulated by multiple enhancers located up to hundreds of kilobases distant from this locus. Mutations in this gene or in the enhancer regions can cause ocular disorders such as aniridia and Peter's anomaly. Use of alternate promoters and alternative splicing result in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. Protein function: Transcription factor with important functions in the development of the eye, nose, central nervous system and pancreas. Required for the differentiation of pancreatic islet alpha cells. Competes with PAX4 in binding to a common element in the glucagon, insulin and somatostatin promoters. Regulates specification of the ventral neuron subtypes by establishing the correct progenitor domains. Isoform 5a appears to function as a molecular switch that specifies target genes. [The UniProt Consortium]