Max-interacting protein 1 (MXI1)

Max-interacting protein 1 (MXI1) is a transcriptional repressor that belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) family of transcription factors[1][8]. MXI1 binds to the MAX protein to form heterodimers, creating a complex that recognizes the same DNA consensus sequences targeted by the MYC-MAX complex[1][2][8]. By competing for MAX and DNA binding sites, MXI1 antagonizes the oncogenic activity of MYC, thereby acting as a potential tumor suppressor[2][5][8]. MXI1 is widely expressed in human tissues and has been particularly implicated in prostate cancer and neurofibrosarcoma, often showing defects or mutations in these disease states[3][5][7]. The protein does not currently have any approved drugs that directly target it[5][7][8]. Its principal function is transcriptional repression and inhibition of MYC-driven gene expression, which regulates cell proliferation and differentiation[1][2][8].

Other names

Max-interacting protein 1MXI1Max interactor 1dimerization proteinBHLHC11MXD2MAD2bHLHc11Class C basic helix-loop-helix protein 11MAX dimerization protein 2Max-related transcription factor