This gene encodes a member of the SOX (SRY-related HMG-box) family of transcription factors involved in the regulation of embryonic development and determination of cell fate. The encoded protein acts as a transcriptional activator after forming a protein complex with other proteins. This protein acts as a nucleocytoplasmic shuttle protein and is important for neural crest and peripheral nervous system development. SOX10 is used as an immunohistochemistry marker, diagnosis of malignant melanoma; Combined with MITF1 and it can differentiate malignant melanoma in situ from actinic keratosis; More specific for tumors originating from the neural crest than S100.