MYC
Description
The MYC (MYC proto-oncogene, bHLH transcription factor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 8.
MYC, encoded by the MYC gene, is a proto-oncogene that functions as a transcription factor. It forms a heterodimer with the transcription factor MAX, binding to specific DNA sequences and regulating the transcription of target genes. MYC plays a role in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cellular transformation. Its amplification is frequently observed in various cancers, while translocations involving the MYC gene are associated with Burkitt lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
MYC functions as a transcription factor, binding to DNA in a non-specific manner but exhibiting specific recognition of the core sequence 5‘-CAC[GA]TG-3‘. This binding activates the transcription of genes involved in growth, including the VEGFA gene, promoting its production and subsequent angiogenesis. MYC also plays a role in regulating somatic reprogramming and controlling the self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. It collaborates with TAF6L to activate target gene expression through RNA polymerase II pause release. Additionally, MYC positively regulates the transcription of HNRNPA1, HNRNPA2, and PTBP1, which in turn influence the splicing of pyruvate kinase PKM. These factors bind repressively to sequences flanking PKM exon 9, inhibiting its inclusion and leading to exon 10 inclusion, resulting in the production of the PKM M2 isoform.
MYC is also known as MRTL, MYCC, bHLHe39, c-Myc.
