PAX2 and neoplasm: STICs are thought to arise from fallopian tube cell outgrowths that frequently have loss of PAX2 expression and show expansion of CD44 positive cells, and we herein provide evidence that knockdown of Pax2 in OVE cells increases the expression of stem cell markers, increases the fraction of cells expressing CD44, and suppresses features of epithelial differentiation, all characteristics that could increase their susceptibility to tumor formation.