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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/sox2/

SOX2 gene

SRY-box transcription factor 2

Normal Function

The SOX2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a critical role in the formation of many different tissues and organs during embryonic development. The SOX2 protein is especially important for the development of the eyes. This protein regulates the activity of other genes by attaching (binding) to specific regions of DNA. On the basis of this action, the SOX2 protein is called a transcription factor.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Septo-optic dysplasia

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Septo-optic dysplasia

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SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome

At least 33 mutations in the SOX2 gene have been found to cause SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome. Some of these mutations prevent the gene from making any SOX2 protein, while others result in the production of an abnormally short, nonfunctional version of the protein. A few mutations change single protein building blocks (amino acids) in the SOX2 protein. All of these mutations disrupt the protein's ability to regulate genes essential for normal development of the eyes and other parts of the body. Abnormal development of these structures causes the signs and symptoms of SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome.

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Coloboma

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Coloboma

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Combined pituitary hormone deficiency

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Combined pituitary hormone deficiency

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Microphthalmia

MedlinePlus Genetics provides information about Microphthalmia

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Other Names for This Gene

  • ANOP3
  • MCOPS3
  • MGC2413
  • sex-determining region Y-box 2
  • SOX2_HUMAN
  • SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2
  • SRY box 2
  • SRY-related HMG-box gene 2
  • transcription factor SOX2

Additional Information & Resources

Tests Listed in the Genetic Testing Registry

Scientific Articles on PubMed

Catalog of Genes and Diseases from OMIM

Gene and Variant Databases

References

  • Alatzoglou KS, Kelberman D, Dattani MT. The role of SOX proteins in normal pituitary development. J Endocrinol. 2009 Mar;200(3):245-58. doi: 10.1677/JOE-08-0447. Epub 2008 Dec 12. Citation on PubMed
  • Bakrania P, Robinson DO, Bunyan DJ, Salt A, Martin A, Crolla JA, Wyatt A, Fielder A, Ainsworth J, Moore A, Read S, Uddin J, Laws D, Pascuel-Salcedo D, Ayuso C, Allen L, Collin JR, Ragge NK. SOX2 anophthalmia syndrome: 12 new cases demonstrating broader phenotype and high frequency of large gene deletions. Br J Ophthalmol. 2007 Nov;91(11):1471-6. doi: 10.1136/bjo.2007.117929. Epub 2007 May 23. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Fantes J, Ragge NK, Lynch SA, McGill NI, Collin JR, Howard-Peebles PN, Hayward C, Vivian AJ, Williamson K, van Heyningen V, FitzPatrick DR. Mutations in SOX2 cause anophthalmia. Nat Genet. 2003 Apr;33(4):461-3. doi: 10.1038/ng1120. Epub 2003 Mar 3. Citation on PubMed
  • Kelberman D, de Castro SC, Huang S, Crolla JA, Palmer R, Gregory JW, Taylor D, Cavallo L, Faienza MF, Fischetto R, Achermann JC, Martinez-Barbera JP, Rizzoti K, Lovell-Badge R, Robinson IC, Gerrelli D, Dattani MT. SOX2 plays a critical role in the pituitary, forebrain, and eye during human embryonic development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 May;93(5):1865-73. doi: 10.1210/jc.2007-2337. Epub 2008 Feb 19. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Kelberman D, Rizzoti K, Avilion A, Bitner-Glindzicz M, Cianfarani S, Collins J, Chong WK, Kirk JM, Achermann JC, Ross R, Carmignac D, Lovell-Badge R, Robinson IC, Dattani MT. Mutations within Sox2/SOX2 are associated with abnormalities in the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in mice and humans. J Clin Invest. 2006 Sep;116(9):2442-55. doi: 10.1172/JCI28658. Epub 2006 Aug 24. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central
  • Tziaferi V, Kelberman D, Dattani MT. The role of SOX2 in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Sex Dev. 2008;2(4-5):194-9. doi: 10.1159/000152035. Epub 2008 Nov 5. Citation on PubMed
  • Williamson KA, Hever AM, Rainger J, Rogers RC, Magee A, Fiedler Z, Keng WT, Sharkey FH, McGill N, Hill CJ, Schneider A, Messina M, Turnpenny PD, Fantes JA, van Heyningen V, FitzPatrick DR. Mutations in SOX2 cause anophthalmia-esophageal-genital (AEG) syndrome. Hum Mol Genet. 2006 May 1;15(9):1413-22. doi: 10.1093/hmg/ddl064. Epub 2006 Mar 16. Erratum In: Hum Mol Genet. 2006 Jun 15;15(12):2030. Citation on PubMed
  • Zhou J, Kherani F, Bardakjian TM, Katowitz J, Hughes N, Schimmenti LA, Schneider A, Young TL. Identification of novel mutations and sequence variants in the SOX2 and CHX10 genes in patients with anophthalmia/microphthalmia. Mol Vis. 2008 Mar 24;14:583-92. Citation on PubMed or Free article on PubMed Central

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.