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Myc inhibits JNK-mediated cell death in vivo
Jiuhong Huang1, Yu Feng1, Xinhong Chen1
1Institute of Intervention Vessel, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Diseases Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
Abstract:
The proto-oncogene Myc is well known for its roles in promoting cell growth, proliferation and apoptosis. However, in this study, we found from a genetic screen that Myc inhibits, rather than promotes, cell death triggered by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in Drosophila. Firstly, expression of Drosophila Myc (dMyc) suppresses, whereas loss of dMyc enhances, ectopically activated JNK signaling-induced cell death. Secondly, dMyc impedes physiologically activated JNK pathway-mediated cell death. Thirdly, loss of dMyc triggers JNK pathway activation and JNK-dependent cell death. Finally, the mammalian cMyc gene, when expressed in Drosophila, impedes activated JNK signaling-induced cell death. Thus, besides its well-studied apoptosis promoting function, Myc also antagonizes JNK-mediated cell death in Drosophila, and this function is likely conserved from fly to human.
Insights
Myc protein inhibits cell death triggered by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in Drosophila. This newly discovered function of Myc in antagonizing JNK-mediated apoptosis is conserved in mammals.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The proto-oncogene Myc is a key regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis.
- Its role in promoting apoptosis is well-established in various biological contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Myc in JNK signaling-induced cell death in Drosophila.
- To determine if Myc's function in apoptosis is conserved across species.
Main Methods:
- Genetic screening in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Analysis of JNK signaling pathway activation and cell death.
- Expression of Drosophila Myc (dMyc) and mammalian c-Myc in fly models.
Main Results:
- Drosophila Myc (dMyc) suppresses JNK signaling-induced cell death, both ectopically and physiologically.
- Loss of dMyc enhances JNK-mediated cell death and triggers JNK pathway activation.
- Mammalian c-Myc also inhibits JNK signaling-induced cell death in Drosophila.
Conclusions:
- Myc antagonizes JNK-mediated cell death in Drosophila, revealing a novel function beyond its pro-apoptotic role.
- This anti-apoptotic function of Myc against JNK signaling is conserved from flies to humans.
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