Sox genes comprise a family of genes that are related to the mammalian sex determining gene SRY. These genes similarly contain sequences that encode for the HMG-box domain, which is responsible for the sequence-specific DNA-binding activity. Sox genes encode putative transcriptional regulators implicated in the decision of cell fates during development and the control of diverse developmental processes. The highly complex group of Sox genes cluster at a minimum of 40 different loci that rapidly diverged in various animal lineages. At present 30 Sox genes have been identified, and members of this family have been shown to be conserved during evolution and to play key roles during animal development. Some are involved in human diseases, including sex reversal.
