Myc proto-oncogene protein (MYC)

MYC proto-oncogene protein is a universal transcription factor and proto-oncogene encoded by the human MYC gene[2][5]. It regulates thousands of genes involved in cell growth, division, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism, acting as a global amplifier of cellular transcriptional programs[3][4][5]. MYC is among the most frequently activated oncogenic proteins in human cancer, driving unchecked proliferation and immune evasion[2][4]. Structural motifs within MYC mRNA, particularly in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions, can affect gene expression and are being studied as alternative drug targets because the MYC protein itself is highly challenging to inhibit with small molecules[1]. While MYC inactivation results in tumor regression in preclinical models, effective clinical MYC-targeted therapies remain elusive primarily due to safety and targetability concerns[2][1].

Other names

c-MYCMYC oncogeneMyc proto-oncogenev-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog

Modulation of gene transcription; Inhibition of MYC/MAX interaction; Destabilization of MYC protein; RNA targeting approaches (antisense oligonucleotides, siRNA, small molecule binders of MYC mRNA motifs)