This gene encodes a member of the SOX (SRY-related HMG-box) family of transcription factors involved in the regulation of embryonic development and in the determination of the cell fate. The encoded protein may act as a transcriptional regulator after forming a protein complex with other proteins. Mutations in this gene have been associated with X-linked mental retardation with growth hormone deficiency. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].