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MYC in oncogenesis and as a target for cancer therapies

Ami Albihn1, John Inge Johnsen, Marie Arsenian Henriksson

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Advances in Cancer Research
|April 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

MYC proteins are crucial for cell fate and often deregulated in cancers. Targeting MYC offers a promising avenue for developing novel, specific cancer therapies with fewer side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MYC proteins (c-MYC, MYCN, MYCL) are key regulators of cellular processes, including cell fate.
  • Deregulation of MYC genes, through genetic and epigenetic alterations, is implicated in numerous human cancers.
  • The multifaceted roles and complex regulation of MYC make it a significant target for cancer intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize current knowledge of MYC protein function.
  • To provide an overview of cancers characterized by MYC deregulation.
  • To describe existing and novel therapeutic strategies targeting MYC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on MYC.
  • Analysis of cancer forms associated with MYC alterations.
  • Evaluation of current and emerging MYC-targeting therapies.

Main Results:

  • MYC proteins play a fundamental role in cell fate determination.
  • MYC deregulation is a common event across various human neoplasms.
  • Various therapeutic strategies targeting MYC are under investigation, with promising early results.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting MYC proteins represents a significant opportunity for developing innovative cancer treatments.
  • Novel MYC-targeting therapies hold the potential for more specific and personalized cancer treatment with reduced side effects.
  • Successful MYC-targeting therapies could benefit a broad spectrum of cancer patients.

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