Sox (Sry (sex determining region Y)-related HMG box) genes encode a family of transcription
factors that are characterized by a conserved high-mobility group (HMG) domain mediating
their binding to DNA in a sequence-specific manner [1–3]. While the majority of Sox proteins
functions as transcriptional activators, some members of the Sox family including Sox9 and
Sox10 may also act as transcriptional repressors [4–6]. Sox genes play key roles in embryonic
development and are major determinants of stem cell behavior, regulating cell fate decisions
and maintaining cellular identity [3]. Their crucial role in normal tissue formation and homeostasis
is evident from the fact that several mutations in Sox genes are causative for developmental
diseases, and accumulating evidence demonstrates the important functional role of Sox
family proteins in a variety of cancers