SOX genes comprise a family of genes that are related to the mammalian sex
determining gene SRY and these genes play key roles during animal developme
nt. We report here cloning and characterisation of the human SOX18 gene. SO
X18 gene is expressed in foetal brain as well as in a wide range of foetal,
and adult tissues indicating its function is not restricted to early develo
pment. Mapping analysis has revealed that SOX18 gene is located on human ch
romosome 20q13.3, 27.29 cR distal from the marker D20S173. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science B.V. All rights reserved.