SOX9 and cancer: This is due to NEAT1 aiding in the expression of several pancreatic differentiation factors, such as Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Family Member A15 (Bhlha15) and SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9) [30], as well as tumour suppressor genes that tend to inhibit cancer progression, such as Plexin A4 (Plxna4), which is involved in the prevention of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key protein in angiogenesis and growth [33].