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Function and regulation of the transcription factors of the Myc/Max/Mad network

B Lüscher1

  • 1Abt. Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Institut für Biochemie, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52057 Aachen, Germany. luescher@rwth-aachen.de

Gene
|October 17, 2001
PubMed

Insights

The Myc/Max/Mad network regulates cell behavior by altering gene expression. Myc and Mad proteins recruit opposing chromatin remodeling activities, explaining their antagonistic functions in processes like cell proliferation and tumor formation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Regulation
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • The Myc/Max/Mad network comprises transcriptional regulators crucial for cell behavior.
  • Dysregulated expression of Myc/Max/Mad target genes is implicated in tumor formation.
  • These proteins modulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antagonistic functions of Myc and Mad proteins.
  • To understand how Myc/Max/Mad network members regulate target genes through chromatin remodeling.

Main Methods:

  • Investigating protein-protein interactions within the Myc/Max/Mad network.
  • Analyzing the recruitment of chromatin remodeling complexes by Myc and Mad proteins.
  • Assessing the enzymatic activities (ATPase, HAT, HDAC) associated with these complexes.

Main Results:

  • Myc proteins interact with SWI/SNF-like complexes (ATPase activity) and TRRAP complexes (histone acetyl transferase activity).
  • Mad proteins recruit mSin3 repressor complexes with histone deacetylase activity.
  • These distinct recruitment events mediate opposing effects on target gene expression.

Conclusions:

  • The antagonism between Myc and Mad proteins is molecularly explained by their recruitment of opposing chromatin remodeling activities.
  • Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into Myc's role in cancer development.
  • This network's regulation of gene expression is critical for normal cellular processes.

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