The WWOX gene encodes a member of the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) protein family.  An overexpression of the WWOX transcripts was seen in breast cancer cell lines.  A role of WWOX in steroid metabolism was indicated by the fact that its highest levels of expression happen normally in tissues such as testis, ovary, and prostate.  WWOX LOF was found in numerous human malignancies suggesting a tumor suppressor role for WWOX.  Moreover, expression of the encoded protein can induce apoptosis.   

Mutations in WWOX gene also cause Autosomal Recessive Spinocerebellar Ataxia 12.

The WWOX gene is a large gene that spans a length of 1 Mbp on the long arm of chromosome 16.  This region spans the FRA16D common chromosomal fragile site.  In spite of the large size, the encoded protein is not large.  In fact, the gene consists of only nine exons that together code for a protein that is 414 amino acids long.  The WWOX protein contains 2 WW domains coupled with the region containing short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) protein family.  The WW domains play a role in interactions with proline-rich recognition motifs in other proteins.