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Participation of c-myc protein in DNA synthesis of human cells

G P Studzinski, Z S Brelvi, S C Feldman

    Science (New York, N.Y.)
    |October 24, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    The oncogene c-myc protein, crucial for cell cycle regulation, was found to directly inhibit DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase activity in human cells. This suggests c-myc plays a key functional role in the DNA replication process.

    Area of Science:

    • Molecular Biology
    • Oncology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • The c-myc oncogene is known for its role in cell cycle regulation.
    • Its specific involvement in DNA synthesis remains largely unexplored.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the direct role of the c-myc protein in DNA synthesis.
    • To determine if c-myc influences DNA polymerase activity.

    Main Methods:

    • Addition of affinity-purified antibodies against human c-myc protein to isolated human cell nuclei.
    • Monitoring DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase activity in these nuclei.

    Main Results:

    • Reversible inhibition of DNA synthesis was observed upon antibody addition.
    • DNA polymerase activity within the nuclei was also inhibited by the antibodies.

    Conclusions:

    • The c-myc protein is functionally involved in DNA synthesis.
    • c-myc appears to play a direct regulatory role in the DNA replication process.

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