Encyclopedia
SRY-box 10
- genes
1. Normal Function
The SOX10 gene belongs to a family of genes that plays a critical role in the formation of tissues and organs during embryonic development. The SOX gene family also maintains the normal function of certain cells after birth. To carry out these roles, proteins made by genes in the SOX family bind to specific areas of DNA. By attaching to critical regions near genes, SOX proteins help control the activity of those genes. SOX proteins are called transcription factors on the basis of this action.
During embryonic development, the SOX10 gene is active in cells called neural crest cells. These cells migrate from the developing spinal cord to specific regions in the embryo, where they give rise to many different types of cells. The protein made by the SOX10 gene directs the activity of other genes (such as MITF) that signal neural crest cells to become more specific cell types. In particular, the SOX10 protein is essential for the formation of nerves in the intestine (enteric nerves) and for the production of specialized cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that contributes to skin, hair, and eye color. Melanin is also involved in the normal function of the inner ear.
2. Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
2.1. Waardenburg syndrome
More than 30 mutations in the SOX10 gene have been identified in people with Waardenburg syndrome type II and type IV (also known as Waardenburg-Shah syndrome). Both types of Waardenburg syndrome are characterized by changes in skin, hair, and eye coloring and hearing loss. People with type IV also have an intestinal disorder called Hirschsprung disease that causes severe constipation or intestinal blockage. Most SOX10 mutations lead to the production of an abnormal version of the SOX10 protein or prevent the gene from making any protein. An abnormal or missing SOX10 protein cannot control genes that signal neural crest cells to become specific cell types. As a result, enteric nerves and melanocytes do not form normally during embryonic development. Missing enteric nerves in certain parts of the intestine cause the signs and symptoms of Hirschsprung disease. A lack of melanocytes affects the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes and causes the hearing loss characteristic of Waardenburg syndrome.
Researchers have found that mutations in the SOX10 gene also cause a similar disorder known as peripheral demyelinating neuropathy, central demyelinating leukodystrophy, Waardenburg syndrome, and Hirschsprung disease (PCWH). This rare condition is a variant of Waardenburg syndrome type IV that also affects other parts of the nervous system. Like mutations that cause other types of Waardenburg syndrome, the mutations responsible for PCWH lead to the production of an abnormal version of the SOX10 protein that is unable to direct the activity of other genes.
3. Other Names for This Gene
- DOM
- dominant megacolon, mouse, human homolog of
- SOX10_HUMAN
- SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 10
- SRY box 10
- SRY-related HMG-box gene 10
- transcription factor SOX-10
- WS4
This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/sox10
References
- Bondurand N, Dastot-Le Moal F, Stanchina L, Collot N, Baral V, Marlin S,Attie-Bitach T, Giurgea I, Skopinski L, Reardon W, Toutain A, Sarda P, Echaieb A,Lackmy-Port-Lis M, Touraine R, Amiel J, Goossens M, Pingault V. Deletions at the SOX10 gene locus cause Waardenburg syndrome types 2 and 4. Am J Hum Genet. 2007Dec;81(6):1169-85.
- Chaoui A, Watanabe Y, Touraine R, Baral V, Goossens M, Pingault V, BondurandN. Identification and functional analysis of SOX10 missense mutations indifferent subtypes of Waardenburg syndrome. Hum Mutat. 2011 Dec;32(12):1436-49.doi: 10.1002/humu.21583.
- Iso M, Fukami M, Horikawa R, Azuma N, Kawashiro N, Ogata T. SOX10 mutation in Waardenburg syndrome type II. Am J Med Genet A. 2008 Aug 15;146A(16):2162-3. doi:10.1002/ajmg.a.32403.
- Mollaaghababa R, Pavan WJ. The importance of having your SOX on: role of SOX10in the development of neural crest-derived melanocytes and glia. Oncogene. 2003May 19;22(20):3024-34. Review.
- Pingault V, Ente D, Dastot-Le Moal F, Goossens M, Marlin S, Bondurand N.Review and update of mutations causing Waardenburg syndrome. Hum Mutat. 2010Apr;31(4):391-406. doi: 10.1002/humu.21211. Review.
- Sham MH, Lui VC, Chen BL, Fu M, Tam PK. Novel mutations of SOX10 suggest adominant negative role in Waardenburg-Shah syndrome. J Med Genet. 2001Sep;38(9):E30.
- Zhang H, Chen H, Luo H, An J, Sun L, Mei L, He C, Jiang L, Jiang W, Xia K, Li JD, Feng Y. Functional analysis of Waardenburg syndrome-associated PAX3 and SOX10mutations: report of a dominant-negative SOX10 mutation in Waardenburg syndrometype II. Hum Genet. 2012 Mar;131(3):491-503. doi: 10.1007/s00439-011-1098-2.
