Translocations involving c-myc and c-myc function

c-MYC is the prototype for oncogene activation by chromosomal translocation . In contrast to the tightly regulated expression of c-myc in normal cells, c-myc is frequently deregulated in human cancers. Herein, aspects of c-myc gene activation and the function of the c-Myc protein are reviewed. The c- myc gene produces an oncogenic transcription factor that affects diverse ce llular processes involved in cell growth, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cellular metabolism. Complete removal of c-myc results in slowed cell grow th and proliferation, suggesting that while c-myc is not required for cell proliferation, it acts as an integrator and accelerator of cellular metabol ism and proliferation.