Myc gene
The MYC gene is a family of regulator genes and proto-oncogenes that code for transcription factors. These transcription factors are involved in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cellular transformation. The MYC family consists of three related human genes: c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc.
Function[edit | edit source]
The MYC gene encodes a transcription factor that is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family. This protein plays a crucial role in cell cycle regulation, cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. MYC functions by binding to specific DNA sequences, thereby regulating the expression of target genes.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Mutations and overexpression of the MYC gene are associated with many types of cancer, including Burkitt's lymphoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer. MYC is considered a proto-oncogene because its normal function is to promote cell proliferation, but when mutated or overexpressed, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.
Regulation[edit | edit source]
MYC is tightly regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms. The protein is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, ensuring that its levels are kept in check under normal conditions.
Interactions[edit | edit source]
MYC interacts with several other proteins, including MAX, which is another bHLH transcription factor. The MYC-MAX complex binds to E-box sequences in the DNA to regulate gene expression. MYC also interacts with other proteins involved in chromatin remodeling, DNA replication, and RNA processing.
Research and Therapeutic Implications[edit | edit source]
Due to its role in cancer, MYC is a target for cancer therapy. Researchers are investigating various strategies to inhibit MYC function, including small molecules, RNA interference, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD