PAX2 encodes paired box gene 2, one of many human homologues of the Drosophila melanogaster gene prd. The central feature of this transcription factor gene family is the conserved DNA-binding paired box domain. PAX2 is believed to be a target of transcriptional supression by the tumor supressor gene WT1. Mutations within PAX2 have been shown to result in optic nerve colobomas and renal hypoplasia.