The family is divided into subgroups according to homology within the HMG domain and other structural motifs, as well as according to functional assays.
[1] The developmentally important Sox family has no singular function, and many members possess the ability to regulate several different aspects of development.
While many Sox genes are involved in sex determination, some are also important in processes such as neuronal development.
Sox 2 is also a transcription factor in the maintenance of pluripotency in both Early Embryos and ES Cells.
[3] It is thought that some Sox genes may be useful in the early diagnosis of childhood brain tumours due to this sequential expression in the cerebellum, making them a target for significant research.