MYC

About MYC

MYC on chromosome 8q24.21 encodes c MYC, a transcription factor that regulates a vast number of genes involved in cell growth, metabolism, ribosome production, and cell division. Its activity is normally tightly controlled, and it is one of the most frequently deregulated genes in human cancer. In Burkitt lymphoma a characteristic translocation, most often between chromosomes 8 and 14, places MYC next to immunoglobulin gene enhancers, driving very high expression. MYC amplification occurs in many other tumors, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancers, and a related gene, MYCN, is amplified in aggressive neuroblastoma. MYC was originally identified as the human counterpart of the transforming gene of an avian myelocytomatosis virus, which gave it its name. Directly targeting MYC with drugs has proven difficult, and indirect approaches are an active area of research.