Myc proto-oncogene protein mRNA (MYC mRNA)

Myc proto-oncogene protein mRNA is the messenger RNA transcript of the MYC gene, which encodes a master transcription factor essential for regulating cell growth, metabolism, and proliferation (1.4.2). In healthy cells, MYC expression is tightly controlled; however, in over 70% of human cancers, the MYC gene is amplified or overexpressed, leading to high levels of mRNA and protein that drive oncogenesis (1.4.3). Because the MYC protein is intrinsically disordered and lacks a traditional ligand-binding pocket, it has historically been considered "undruggable" (1.4.4). Consequently, targeting the MYC mRNA has become a major focus for therapeutic intervention using modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and RNA-binding small molecules (1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.3.5). These therapies aim to either degrade the mRNA transcript or block its translation into the functional protein (1.1.3, 1.3.3). Despite its potential, targeting MYC mRNA presents significant challenges, including the risk of toxicity in normal proliferating tissues like the bone marrow and gut, where MYC function is required (1.4.4). Current research is focused on improving the selectivity and delivery of these mRNA-targeted agents to minimize systemic side effects while effectively suppressing tumor growth (1.3.4).

Other names

c-Myc mRNAMYC transcriptv-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog mRNA

Drugs targeting MYC mRNA primarily work through RNA interference (siRNA), RNase H-mediated degradation (antisense oligonucleotides), or by binding to structured elements in the mRNA (such as the 5'UTR or IRES) to inhibit translation into the MYC protein (1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.3.5, 1.4.1).