PAX6 is a gene that plays a crucial role in the development of the eyes and brain. It provides instructions for making a protein that helps regulate the formation of various tissues during embryonic development. Mutations in the PAX6 gene can lead to eye disorders, such as aniridia, where individuals are born without an iris. This gene is highly conserved across species, meaning it is similar in many organisms, from fruit flies to humans. Research on PAX6 has provided insights into genetic pathways involved in eye formation and has implications for understanding developmental disorders and potential therapies.