c-Myc as a therapeutic target in cancer.
c-Myc is frequently deregulated in human cancers. The c-Myc oncoprotein is a transcription factor, with many of its target genes encoding proteins that initiate and maintain the transformed state. c-Myc is also part of a dynamic network whose members interact selectively with one another and with various transcriptional coregulators and histone-modifying enzymes. This knowledge highlights several points that might be amenable to attack. This review summarizes progress in controlling the extent of c-Myc transcription, translation, interaction with other myc network members, DNA binding and transcriptional activation. Inhibition of c-Myc can be achieved with many of these approaches; however, clinical efficacy will likely require intervention at several levels, perhaps in combination with traditional chemotherapeutic drugs or agents that target other oncoproteins.
Prochownik
Edward V
EV
Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Rangos Research Center, Room 2100, 3460 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. edward_prochownik@poplar.chp.edu
D000818:Animals; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D020319:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D020319:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc