Mouse Monoclonal PAX8 Antibody

The PAX8 antibody is a valuable diagnostic tool in pathology, primarily used to identify tissues and tumors derived from organs where the PAX8 gene is expressed during development. PAX8 (Paired Box 8) belongs to the PAX family of transcription factors, which regulate organogenesis. It plays a critical role in the development of the thyroid gland, kidneys, Müllerian ducts, and the urogenital system. In diagnostic immunohistochemistry, PAX8 antibodies help distinguish tumors of thyroid origin (e.g., papillary or follicular thyroid carcinoma) or renal origin (e.g., renal cell carcinoma) from morphologically similar malignancies. It is also a marker for Müllerian-derived tissues, aiding in the identification of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical carcinomas. Notably, PAX8 expression is often retained in tumor cells but absent in surrounding stromal tissues, enhancing diagnostic specificity. While PAX8 and PAX2 antibodies share overlapping roles in renal and Müllerian tract tumors, PAX8 is more sensitive for thyroid neoplasms. Its clinical utility extends to differentiating metastatic cancers and guiding treatment strategies. Recent studies also explore its role in tumorigenesis mechanisms, including cell proliferation and apoptosis regulation. However, interpretation requires context, as PAX8 may occasionally stain non-target tissues (e.g., lymphomas). Overall, it remains a cornerstone in diagnostic panels for epithelial tumors.