The Roles of Sox Family Genes in Sarcoma

Sox (SRY-related HMG-box) family genes are important regulators of cell development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Deregulation of certain members of the Sox gene family has been implicated in a number of human malignancies, including in sarcoma. Accumulating evidence suggests that Sox genes play crucial roles in sarcoma cell pathogenesis, growth, and proliferation. Here, we review the biological relevance of Sox2 and Sox9 genes in osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma and chordoma; Sox2, Sox6, and Sox17 genes in Ewing's sarcoma; Sox2, Sox9, and Sox10 genes in synovial sarcoma; Sox2 gene in fibrosarcoma; and Sox21 gene in liposarcoma. These findings potentiate the targeting of Sox genes for novel therapeutic interventions in sarcoma and may also hold valuable clinical potential to improve the care of patients with sarcoma.