SOX5
Below is a summary for the SOX5 gene observed in research publications. This is not meant to take the place of medical advice. Click HERE for the full gene guide, which includes more information, such as chance of having another child with this condition, or specialists to consider for people with this condition.
What is Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome?
Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome happens when there are changes to the SOX5 gene. These changes can keep the gene from working as it should.
Key Role
The SOX5 gene plays a key role in brain development.
Symptoms
Because the SOX5 gene is important in the development and function of brain cells, many people who have Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome have:
- Speech delay
- Behavior issues
- Low muscle tone
- Motor delay
- Developmental delay
- Vision issues
Do people who have Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome look different?
Some people who have Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome have a large forehead.
SPEECH and BEHAVIOR
8 out of 9 had speech delay.
5 out of 9 had behavior issues, including autism.

LEARNING
Many people had some level of intellectual disability, ranging from mild to severe.

EYES
Two-thirds of people who had SOX5-related syndrome had crossed eyes.

Support Resources
- Simons Searchlight Community – SOX5 Facebook group
- Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome Organization – lambshaffer.org
- Unique – SOX5 Guidebook
- Geisinger Developmental Brain Disorder Gene Database – SOX5
GeneReviews
GeneReviews are a great resource to bring to your child’s clinicians. These publications provide a summary of current research on genetic conditions and information on ongoing care.
There is currently no GeneReviews for Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome.
Research Article Summaries
We currently do not have any article summaries for Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome but we add resources to our website as they become available.
The information available about Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome is limited, and families and doctors share a critical need for more information. As we learn more from children who have this gene change, we expect our list of resources and information to grow.
Full versions of published research articles can be found on PubMed. PubMed is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) online database that is free. It has a collection of both medical and scientific research articles. A PubMed search for SOX5 articles can be found here.
You can also visit the Simons Foundation’s SFARI Gene website to see information for researchers about this gene.
Research Opportunities
Simons Searchlight
Help the Simons Searchlight team learn more about SOX5 genetic changes by taking part in our research. You can learn more about the project and sign up here.
External Research Opportunity: FaceMatch
FaceMatch is a platform that helps parents and doctors contribute to an international secure image database of both undiagnosed and diagnosed children across the globe. *This study is not affiliated with Simons Searchlight. Learn more about FaceMatch.
Family Stories
We do not currently have any stories from Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome families.
Click here to share your family’s story!