myc oncogene

The c-myc gene is required for progression through the cell cycle and promotes cellular proliferation. Myc null cell lines show a profound growth defect, with lengthening of both G₁ and G₂ phases of the cell cycle. There is a marked reduction in cyclin D1-CDK4 and D1-CDK6 complexes during entry to the S phase, with lesser reductions in Cyclin E2 -CDK2 and cyclin A-CDK2. Myc induces expression of cyclins D1 and D2.

Oncogenic expression of c-myc involves mutations on exon 2; such mutations are found in more than 50% of Burkitt's lymphomas.

References

Leoncini, L., Lazzi, S., Bellan, C. and Tosi, P. Cell kinetics and cell cycle regulation in lymphomas. J Clin Pathol 2002;55:648-55.

Last revised 12.5.2003