PAX3(Paired box 3) is a member of the paired box (PAX) family of transcription factors. PAX3 plays a significant role in early neurogenesis, particularly in the development of the central nervous system. Pax-3 contains both a paired domain and a paired-type homeodomain, which are essential for DNA-binding capabilities, allowing regulation of target genes involved in cell differentiation and proliferation. Pax-3 expression is primarily localized to mitotic cells in the ventricular zone of the developing spinal cord, as well as in specific regions of the hindbrain, midbrain, and diencephalon. During embryonic development, Pax-3 is also expressed in neural crest cells, which are critical for the formation of various structures, including the craniofacial mesectoderm and limb mesenchyme.