DEFINING A ROLE FOR C-MYC IN BREAST TUMORIGENESIS

The proto-oncogene c-myc is commonly amplified and overexpressed in hu man breast tumors, and the tumorigenic potential of c-myc overexpressi on in mammary tissue has been confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo m odels of breast cancer. However, the mechanisms by which Myc promotes tumorigenesis are not well understood. Recent evidence indicates that Myc can promote cell proliferation as well as cell death via apoptosis . These studies provide new insight and impetus in defining a role for c-Myc in breast tumorigenesis and may point toward novel targets for breast cancer therapy.