Function of the c-Myc oncogenic transcription factor

The c-myc gene and the expression of the c-Myc protein are frequently alter ed in human cancers. The c-myc gene encodes the transcription factor c-Myc, which heterodimerizes with a partner protein, termed Max, to regulate gene expression. Max also heterodimerizes with the Mad family of proteins to re press transcription, antagonize c-Myc, and promote cellular differentiation The constitutive activation of c-myc expression is key to the genesis of m any cancers, and hence the understanding of c-Myc function depends on our u nderstanding of its target genes. In this review, we attempt to place the p utative target genes of c-Myc in the context of c-Myc-mediated phenotypes. From this perspective, c-Myc emerges as an oncogenic transcription factor t hat integrates the cell cycle machinery with cell adhesion, cellular metabo lism, and the apoptotic pathways. (C) 1999 Academic Press.