Cartilage cells with cytoplasmic SOX9 exhibit impaired transcriptional activation of two well-characterised SOX9 target genes, including collagen type IIa1 and β-catenin for chondrocyte differentiation.9 In addition, SOX9 is also involved in tumour invasion and metastasis, attenuating therapeutic sensitivity and promoting stem cell proliferation. The gene discussed is SOX9; the disease is neoplasm.