MYC AND MAX HOMOLOGS IN DROSOPHILA

The proteins encoded by the myc proto-oncogene family are involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and neoplasia. Myc act s through dimerization with Max to bind DNA and activate transcription . Homologs of the myc and mau genes were cloned from the fruit fly Dro sophila melanogaster and their protein products (dMyc and dMax) were s hown to heterodimerize, recognize the same DNA sequence as their verte brate homologs, and activate transcription. The dMyc protein is likely encoded by the Drosophila gene diminutive (dm), a mutation in which r esults in small body size and female sterility caused by degeneration of the ovaries. These findings indicate a potential role for Myc in ge rm cell development and set the stage for genetic analysis of Myc and Max.