SOX10 (member of the SOX family of transcription factors and located at chromosome 22q13.1) is a transcription factor (Sry-related HMg-Box gene 10) protein, which functions as a nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein, and is important in neural and melanocytic development. Expression has been identified in benign tissues (melanocytes, breast, ganglia, and optic vesicle) and in tumors (melanoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, gliomas, breast carcinoma, and schwannoma).

 

Studies have shown SOX10 to be an excellent marker for melanoma (>95% sensitivity), but is not specific in differentiating nevi from melanoma as benign nevi/melanocytes also express SOX10.  Specificity with respect to other tumor types appears relatively good with the exceptions described above.  However, current data sets appear limited, and more study is needed to better define specificity.  

 

SOX10 may be a helpful marker in the diagnosis of melanoma, especially when used with a panel of other markers like S-100, MART-1, or HMB-45.  A head to head comparison with S-100 might be helpful to further characterize the antibodies usefulness as a screening tool for melanomas.  

 

Expression of SOX10 is nuclear, as one would expect with transcription based markers.

 

In breast carcinoma, SOX10 is more commonly expressed in basal-like, triple negative, and metaplastic subtypes.

 

SOX10 Expression statistics using BC34 clone (Tacha, et. al)

Mohamed A, Gonzalez RS, Lawson D, Wang J, Cohen C. SOX10 expression in malignant melanoma, carcinoma, and normal tissues. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2013;21: 506–510. doi:10.1097/PAI.0b013e318279bc0a

 

Tacha D, Qi W, Ra S, Bremer R, Yu C, Chu J, et al. A Newly Developed Mouse Monoclonal SOX10 Antibody Is a Highly Sensitive and Specific Marker for Malignant Melanoma, Including Spindle Cell and Desmoplastic Melanomas. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2015;139: 530–536. doi:10.5858/arpa.2014-0077-OA