MYCN proto-oncogene, basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor (MYCN)

The MYCN proto-oncogene, basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (MYCN), is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes essential for cell proliferation, apoptosis, development, and differentiation. MYCN is normally expressed during early embryonic development and is critical for the formation of multiple tissues and organs. It is a member of the MYC family of oncogenes and exerts its function by binding DNA as part of the MYC/MAX protein complex, modulating chromatin structure and gene transcription. MYCN gene amplification or overexpression is closely associated with aggressive behavior in neuroblastoma and other cancers, making it a key therapeutic target despite the challenges of directly drugging transcription factors. Aberrations of MYCN also cause Feingold syndrome type 1 and may play a role in other developmental disorders

Other names

N-mycNMYCN-myc proto-oncogene proteinbHLHe37MYCN_HUMANMYCNOTNeuroblastoma MYC oncogenev-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene, neuroblastoma derived homologOncogene NMYCpp65/67

Transcriptional inhibition (block MYCN’s ability to bind DNA and activate target genes) Protein destabilization (promote degradation of MYCN protein) Indirect inhibition (target pathways cooperating with or regulated by MYCN, e.g., ALK, Aurora kinases, chromatin modifiers) Epigenetic modulation (BET inhibitors block MYCN expression by affecting chromatin accessibility)