SOX2
GeneName
SOX2
Summary
SOX2, also known as Sox-2 or transcription factor Sox2, is a 34kDa transcription factor that is predominantly expressed in pluripotent stem cells and various developing tissues. It is localised within the nucleus and cytoplasm, where it plays a vital role in regulating gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences. SOX2 is crucial for maintaining the self-renewal and pluripotency of stem cells, and it is involved in several developmental processes including brain, eye, and pituitary gland development. Additionally, SOX2 influences cell fate decisions and differentiation through its regulatory functions in chromatin organisation and transcriptional activation.
Importance
SOX2 is relevant to: - Stem cell biology, as it is essential for the maintenance of pluripotency and self-renewal in embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. - Developmental biology, due to its involvement in the differentiation processes of various tissues, including the nervous system and endocrine organs. - Cancer research, as aberrant expression of SOX2 has been linked to the maintenance of cancer stem cells and tumour progression in various malignancies. - Regenerative medicine, where understanding SOX2 function can inform strategies for tissue regeneration and repair.
Top Products
For researchers investigating SOX2, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies. The first is the highly regarded polyclonal antibody, Anti-SOX2 antibody (ab97959), which has garnered 917 citations, reflecting its strong reputation in the field. This antibody is well-suited for immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting (WB), and immunocytochemistry (ICC), making it a versatile choice for various applications.In addition, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-SOX2 antibody [EPR3131] (ab92494). This monoclonal antibody has been validated for use in IHC, WB, ICC, and ELISA, providing researchers with the batch-to-batch consistency that recombinant antibodies are known for. With 328 citations, it is also gaining traction in the research community. Together, these antibodies provide robust options for studying SOX2 effectively. The Anti-SOX2 antibody [SOX2/1792] ELISA Kit (ab218521) is an excellent option for researchers looking to measure SOX2 levels in their samples.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates a significant focus on the role of SOX2 in various stem cell contexts, particularly in human and mouse models. Studies highlight its involvement in cancer stem cell characteristics, pluripotency, and differentiation across multiple cancer types, including breast, prostate, and liver cancers. The use of SOX2 antibodies in both Western blotting and immunohistochemistry suggests its critical role in understanding stem cell biology and cancer progression.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Domain
The 9aaTAD motif is a transactivation domain present in a large number of yeast and animal transcription factors.
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). Binds to the proximal enhancer region of NANOG (By similarity). Critical for early embryogenesis and for embryonic stem cell pluripotency (PubMed:18035408). Downstream SRRT target that mediates the promotion of neural stem cell self-renewal (By similarity). Keeps neural cells undifferentiated by counteracting the activity of proneural proteins and suppresses neuronal differentiation (By similarity). May function as a switch in neuronal development (By similarity).
Involvement in disease
Microphthalmia, syndromic, 3
MCOPS3
A disease characterized by the rare association of malformations including uni- or bilateral anophthalmia or microphthalmia, and esophageal atresia with trachoesophageal fistula. Microphthalmia is a 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.
None
The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.
Post-translational modifications
Sumoylation inhibits binding on DNA and negatively regulates the FGF4 transactivation.
Methylation at Lys-42 and Lys-117 is necessary for the regulation of SOX2 proteasomal degradation.
Ubiquitinated by WWP2, leading to proteasomal degradation.
Cellular localization
- Nucleus speckle
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Acetylation contributes to its nuclear localization and deacetylation by HDAC3 induces a cytoplasmic delocalization (By similarity). Colocalizes in the nucleus with ZNF208 isoform KRAB-O and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) (By similarity). Colocalizes with SOX6 in speckles. Colocalizes with CAML in the nucleus (By similarity). Nuclear import is facilitated by XPO4, a protein that usually acts as a nuclear export signal receptor (By similarity).
Alternative names
Transcription factor SOX-2, SOX2
Database links
swissprot:P48431 entrezGene:6657 omim:184429
Other research areas
- Oncology