MYC

MYC is a transcription factor that increases the expression of genes involved in cell growth and division. Its dysregulation appears in most human cancers.

Function

MYC binds DNA as a heterodimer with MAX at E-box sequences and acts as an amplifier: it increases the expression of genes that are already switched on, with a bias toward growth genes - ribosomal RNA, translation factors, metabolic enzymes, cell-cycle machinery. MYC also activates rDNA transcription through its association with the nucleolus, which links the protein to ribosome biogenesis and cell size. Its expression is normally driven by mitogenic signals and turns over within minutes; sustained