Partial sequence homology of human myc oncogene protein to beta and gamma crystallins

FEBS Letters
|February 11, 1985
PubMed

Insights

The human myc gene, an oncogene regulating cell growth, shares partial homology with eye lens crystallin proteins. This finding suggests potential links between cellular oncogenes and proteins crucial for maintaining eye lens transparency.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • The human cellular myc gene is a key oncogene involved in cell growth regulation.
  • Cellular oncogenes code for proteins regulating gene expression, differentiation, and proliferation.
  • Crystallins are essential structural proteins in the eye lens, crucial for transparency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate potential sequence homology between the human myc protein and eye lens crystallins.
  • To explore evolutionary or functional relationships between oncogenes and structural proteins.

Main Methods:

  • Computer-based sequence comparison analysis.
  • Identification and analysis of conserved protein motifs.

Main Results:

  • Partial sequence homology was identified between beta Bp and gamma II crystallins and two regions of the human myc protein.
  • Conserved 'Greek Key' motifs were noted in crystallins but likely absent in the homologous regions of the myc protein.

Conclusions:

  • The human myc protein exhibits partial sequence homology with eye lens crystallins.
  • This homology may indicate shared evolutionary origins or functional implications, despite differences in structural motifs.

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