SOX genes
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Sox genes belong to a super-family of genes characterised by a homologous sequence called the HMG (high mobility group) box. HMG boxes can be very diverse in nature – with only a few amino acids being retained throughout all such sequences. They are conserved across species with homologues being identified in insects, nematodes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and a range of mammals.
Sox genes are specifically those that match the HMG box of a gene involved in sex determination called SRY (Sox stands for Sry bOX). Around 30 SOX genes highly related to SRY have been discovered. Almost all Sox genes show at least 50% amino acid similarity with the HMG box in Sry.
The Sox family has no one function. Some Sox genes are involved in sex determination, while some are important in neuronal development. It is thought that some Sox genes may be useful in the early diagnosis of childhood brain tumours, making them a target for significant research.
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