The PAX gene is a member of the paired box (PAX) family of transcription factors. Members of this gene family typically contain a paired box domain, an octapeptide, and a paired-type homeodomain. These genes play critical roles during fetal development and cancer growth. Mutations in the paired box gene 3 are known to cause Waardenburg syndrome, Craniofacial-deafness-hand syndrome, and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. (Hall, 40)