WWOX (WW domain containing oxidoreductase) encodes a member of the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) protein family. WWOX spans the FRA16D common chromosomal fragile site and appears to function as a tumor suppressor gene. Expression of the encoded protein is able to induce apoptosis, while defects in this gene are associated with multiple types of cancer. Disruption of WWOX is also associated with autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia 12. Disruption of a similar gene in mouse results in impaired steroidogenesis, additionally suggesting a metabolic function for the protein. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. skeletal system development,ossification,osteoblast differentiation,induction of apoptosis,steroid metabolic process,negative regulation of signal transduction,negative regulation of cell communication,regulation of cell death,positive regulation of cell death,induction of programmed cell death,regulation of Wnt receptor signaling pathway,negative regulation of Wnt receptor signaling pathway,regulation of apoptosis,positive regulation of apoptosis,regulation of programmed cell death,positive regulation of programmed cell death,skeletal system morphogenesis,oxidation reduction,bone development,