SOX8 - SRY-box Transcription Factor 8

This gene encodes a member of the SOX (SRY-related HMG-box) family of transcription factors involved in the regulation of embryonic development and in the determination of the cell fate. The encoded protein may act as a transcriptional activator after forming a protein complex with other proteins. This protein may be involved in brain development and function. Haploinsufficiency for this protein may contribute to the cognitive disability found in an alpha-thalassemia-related syndrome (ART-16). This protein is also highly expressed in the majority of human hepatocellular carcinomas and promotes cellular proliferation and enhanced tumor growth. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2017]