Abstract
The c-myc gene and the expression of the c-Myc protein are frequently altered in human cancers. The c-myc gene encodes the transcription factor c- Myc, which heterodimerizes with a partner protein, termed Max, to regulate gene expression. Max also heterodimerizes with the Mad family of proteins to repress transcription, antagonize c-Myc, and promote cellular differentiation. The constitutive activation of c-myc expression is key to the genesis of many cancers, and hence the understanding of c-Myc function depends on our understanding of its target genes. In this review, we attempt to place the putative target genes of c-Myc in the context of c-Myc-mediated phenotypes. From this perspective, c-Myc emerges as an oncogenic transcription factor that integrates the cell cycle machinery with cell adhesion, cellular metabolism, and the apoptotic pathways.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 63-77 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Experimental cell research |
Volume | 253 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 25 1999 |
Keywords
- Apoptosis
- C-Myc
- Cell adhesion
- Cell cycle
- Immortalization
- Metabolism
- Oncogene
- Transcription factor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cell Biology