Function: Transcription factor that forms a trimeric complex with OCT4 on DNA and controls the expression of a number of genes involved in embryonic development such as YES1, FGF4, UTF1 and ZFP206
By similarity. Critical for early embryogenesis and for embryonic stem cell pluripotency. May function as a switch in neuronal development. Keeps neural cells undifferentiated by counteracting the activity of proneural proteins and suppresses neuronal differentiation
By similarity. Ref.5
Subunit structure: Interacts with ZSCAN10
By similarity. Interacts with SOX3 and FGFR1
Subcellular location: Nucleus.
Post-translational modification: Sumoylation inhibits binding on DNA and negatively regulates the FGF4 transactivation
Involvement in disease: Defects in SOX2 are the cause of microphthalmia syndromic type 3 (MCOPS3) [
MIM:206900]. Microphthalmia is a clinically heterogeneous disorder of eye formation, ranging from small size of a single eye to complete bilateral absence of ocular tissues (anophthalmia). In many cases, microphthalmia/anophthalmia occurs in association with syndromes that include non-ocular abnormalities. MCOPS3 is characterized by the rare association of malformations including uni- or bilateral anophthalmia or microphthalmia, and esophageal atresia with trachoesophageal fistula. Ref.4
Biotechnological use: POU5F1/OCT4, SOX2, MYC/c-Myc and KLF4 are the four Yamanaka factors. When combined, these factors are sufficient to reprogram differenciated cells to an embryonic-like state designated iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells. iPS cells exhibit the morphology and growth properties of ES cells and express ES cell marker genes. Ref.5
Sequence similarities: Contains 1 HMG box DNA-binding domain.
Sequence caution: The sequence AAA35997.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous initiation. The sequence CAA83435.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous initiation.
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