Myc

OMIM: 190080
UniProt: P01106

MYC is a human gene encoding a protein ( MYC, early and c-Myc ) encodes which enhances the expression of other genes. The name refers to the disease " Myelocytomatose " that is associated with the gene. When MYC is mutated, this gain can be permanent and can thus tumors (especially Burkitt's lymphoma) cause; So it is a proto-oncogene. The protein encoded by MYC belongs to the helix - loop-helix transcription factors and includes a bZIP domain. It increases without preferential expression of all human genes that are currently active in the cell. This could be detected in lymphocytes and embryonic stem cells.

Structure

MYC is a part of chromosome 8, and extends over a length of 2356 base pairs in exon 3. The gene transcript ( messenger RNA, mRNA) is 1365 bases in length and has an IRES ( internal ribosome entry site, dt internal ribosomal entry point), which allows it to be translated into a protein, even if the 5 'cap structure - dependent translation is blocked, which is typical of a viral infection.

The protein MYC with a length of 439 amino acids in addition to the charge of the DNA binding helix-loop -helix and bZIP domains three phosphorylated amino acids and six acetylated lysine residues; it is glycosylated at one radical.

Function

MYC regulates the expression of approximately 15% of all human genes by the binding of enhancer Box sequences (E- boxes ) and recruiting histone acetyltransferases.

MYC is activated by a large number of division signals as Wnt, Shh and EGF by the MAPK / ERK pathway.

Pathology

A mutant, permanently expressed version of MYC is found in many cancer cells. This leads to unregulated implementation of many genes involved in cellular proliferation ( proliferation) are involved. Certain types of leukemia ( lymphoma, blood cancer) are characterized by a translocation ( dislocation ) of the MYC gene in the genome characterized ( t ( 8:14 ) ). Recent studies show that a temporary suppression of MYC expression selectively kills cancer cells of the mouse, which makes MYC a possible target gene for tumor therapy.

History

The myc gene was detected in cells of patients with Burkitt's lymphoma. It is similar to the previously known viral Myelocytomatose oncogene (v- myc, viral myc ). In line with this, the human version of the protein C-Myc was called ( cellular myc ).