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Targeting pancreatic expressed PAX genes for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors |
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| Authors: | Alejandro Martin-Montalvo Petra I Lorenzo Livia López-Noriega |
| Institution: | Department of Stem Cells, CABIMER-Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Avenida Américo Vespucio, Pancreatic Islet Development and Regeneration Unit/Laboratory of Aging Biology (PIDRU LAB), Sevilla, Spain |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Four members of the PAX family, PAX2, PAX4, PAX6 and PAX8 are known to be expressed in the pancreas. Accumulated evidences indicate that several pancreatic expressed PAX genes play a significant role in pancreatic development/functionality and alterations in these genes are involved in the pathogenesis of pancreatic diseases. Areas covered: In this review, we summarize the ongoing research related to pancreatic PAX genes in diabetes mellitus and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. We dissect the current knowledge at different levels; from mechanistic studies in cell lines performed to understand the molecular processes controlled by pancreatic PAX genes, to in vivo studies using rodent models that over-express or lack specific PAX genes. Finally, we describe human studies associating variants on pancreatic-expressed PAX genes with pancreatic diseases. Expert opinion: Based on the current literature, we propose that future interventions to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and diabetes mellitus could be developed via the modulation of PAX4 and/or PAX6 regulated pathways. |
| Keywords: | Diabetes mellitus pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors PAX genes PAX2 PAX4 PAX6 PAX8 |