SOX2, short for SRY (Sex Determining Region Y)-Box 2, is a key transcription factor involved in embryonic development, stem cell pluripotency, and tissue homeostasis. Located mainly in the cell nucleus, SOX2 regulates gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences and controlling target gene activity. It plays a major role in maintaining stem cell pluripotency and self-renewal, working alongside other transcription factors like OCT4 and NANOG to form a core network that preserves the undifferentiated state of embryonic stem cells.