Keeping an eye on SOXC proteins

The formation of a mature, functional eye requires a complex series of cell proliferation, migration, induction among different germinal layers, and cell differentiation. These processes are regulated by extracellular cues such as the Wnt/BMP/Hh/Fgf signaling pathways, as well as cell intrinsic transcription factors that specify cell fate. In this review article, we provide an overview of stages of embryonic eye morphogenesis, extrinsic and intrinsic factors that are required for each stage, and pediatric ocular diseases that are associated with defective eye development. In addition, we focus on recent findings about the roles of the SOXC proteins in regulating vertebrate ocular development and implicating SOXC mutations in human ocular malformations. Developmental Dynamics 244:367–376, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Key Findings An overview of the key stages of vertebrate ocular development is provided. Signaling pathways and transcription factors that regulate each stage are highlighted. The emerging role of SoxC transcription factors in eye development is described.