PAX1 and scoliosis: Both heterozygous and homozygous Pax1 knockout (KO) mice exhibit a kinky tail phenotype16,17 and various spinal malformations, including scoliosis.18,19PAX1 regulates extracellular matrix (ECM) genes, such as collagen and aggrecan, and is crucial for mesenchyme condensation and intervertebral disc (IVD) development.20,21 Despite the growing understanding of the function of PAX1 in spine development, how it leads to AIS remains largely unknown.