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The Myc/Max/Mad network and the transcriptional control of cell behavior

C Grandori1, S M Cowley, L P James

  • 1Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109-1024, USA. cgrnador@fhcrc.org

Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology
|October 14, 2000
PubMed

Insights

The Myc/Max/Mad network regulates gene expression for cell functions. This review explores how Myc and Mad proteins control transcription, impacting cell growth, differentiation, and death.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The Myc/Max/Mad network is crucial for regulating gene transcription.
  • These transcription factors control fundamental cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the Myc and Mad protein families within the Myc/Max/Mad network.
  • To correlate their biological functions with specific transcriptional activities and gene targets.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on Myc and Mad proteins.
  • Analysis of heterodimer formation with Max and DNA binding.
  • Examination of coactivator/corepressor recruitment and chromatin modulation.

Main Results:

  • Myc and Mad proteins form heterodimers with Max, binding to DNA.
  • These complexes recruit coactivators or corepressors to alter chromatin structure and modulate transcription.
  • Identified target genes are involved in cell cycle, growth, lifespan, and morphology.

Conclusions:

  • The Myc/Max/Mad network acts as a signaling module, converting environmental cues into gene regulatory programs.
  • Myc and Mad proteins play a central role in orchestrating cellular responses through transcriptional control.

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