Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Focus Formation: A Cell-based Assay to Determine the Oncogenic Potential of a Gene
Published on: December 31, 2014
Dominant negative MYC blocks transformation by ABL oncogenes
C L Sawyers1, W Callahan, O N Witte
1Department of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
Abstract:
A link between ABL oncogenes and MYC is suggested by the transformation synergy that is observed when MYC is expressed at high levels. Dominant negative MYC proteins were overexpressed in fibroblasts to determine if MYC complements ABL oncogene transformation or is essential for this process. Transformation by both v-abl and BCR-ABL oncogenes was reduced 5- to 10-fold, whereas transformation by the serine/threonine kinase oncogene v-mos was unaffected. Using a retrovirus construct modified to express BCR-ABL and MYC genes simultaneously, we show that dominant negative MYC suppressed transformation of primary mouse bone marrow pre-B cells by BCR-ABL. These observations demonstrate that c-MYC is essential for transformation and help define the pathway by which these proteins cause transformation.
Insights
High MYC levels synergize with ABL oncogenes. Dominant-negative MYC suppressed ABL-induced transformation, demonstrating c-MYC
Area of Science:
- Oncogenomics
- Cellular Transformation
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- MYC oncogene expression often synergizes with ABL oncogenes.
- The precise role of MYC in ABL-mediated transformation requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether MYC is essential for ABL oncogene-driven cellular transformation.
- To determine if MYC complements or is indispensable for ABL oncogene transformation.
Main Methods:
- Overexpression of dominant-negative MYC proteins in fibroblasts.
- Assessing the impact of dominant-negative MYC on transformation induced by v-abl and BCR-ABL oncogenes.
- Evaluating transformation of primary mouse bone marrow pre-B cells using retroviral constructs co-expressing BCR-ABL and MYC.
Main Results:
- Dominant-negative MYC reduced transformation by v-abl and BCR-ABL oncogenes 5- to 10-fold.
- Transformation induced by the serine/threonine kinase oncogene v-mos remained unaffected.
- Dominant-negative MYC suppressed BCR-ABL-mediated transformation of primary mouse bone marrow pre-B cells.
Conclusions:
- c-MYC is essential for ABL oncogene-mediated cellular transformation.
- These findings help define the molecular pathway involving MYC and ABL in oncogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Abnormal Proliferation
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Anaphase Promoting Complex
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Somatic...

