SSX2

The product of this gene belongs to the family of highly homologous synovial sarcoma X (SSX) breakpoint proteins. These proteins may function as transcriptional repressors. They are also capable of eliciting spontaneous humoral and cellular immune responses in cancer patients, and are potentially useful targets in cancer vaccine-based immunotherapy. This gene, and also the SSX1 and SSX4 family members, have been involved in t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2) translocations that are characteristically found in all synovial sarcomas. This translocation results in the fusion of the synovial sarcoma translocation gene on chromosome 18 to one of the SSX genes on chromosome X. The encoded hybrid proteins are likely responsible for transforming activity. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. This gene also has an identical duplicate, GeneID: 727837, located about 45 kb downstream in the opposite orientation on chromosome X. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2013]

SSX Family Member 2

Could act as a modulator of transcription.

Regulation of DNA-templated transcription

Nucleus

A chromosomal aberration involving SSX2 may be a cause of synovial sarcoma. Translocation t(X;18)(p11.2;q11.2). The translocation is specifically found in more than 80% of synovial sarcoma. The fusion products SSXT-SSX1 or SSXT-SSX2 are probably responsible for transforming activity. Heterogeneity in the position of the breakpoint can occur (low frequency).