c-Myc regulates cell size and ploidy but is not essential for postnatal proliferation in liver.
The c-Myc protein is a transcription factor implicated in the regulation of multiple biological processes, including cell proliferation, cell growth, and apoptosis. In vivo overexpression of c-myc is linked to tumor development in a number of mouse models. Here, we show that perinatal inactivation of c-Myc in liver causes disorganized organ architecture, decreased hepatocyte size, and cell ploidy. Furthermore, c-Myc appears to have distinct roles in proliferation in liver. Thus, postnatal hepatocyte proliferation does not require c-Myc, whereas it is necessary for liver regeneration in adult mice. These results show novel physiological functions of c-myc in liver development and hepatocyte proliferation and growth.
Baena
Esther
E
Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain.
Gandarillas
Alberto
A
Vallespinós
Mireia
M
Zanet
Jennifer
J
Bachs
Oriol
O
Redondo
Clara
C
Fabregat
Isabel
I
Martinez-A
Carlos
C
de Alborán
Ignacio Moreno
IM
D000818:Animals; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D048429:Cell Size; D017931:DNA Primers; D005452:Fluoresceins; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008099:Liver / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011003:Ploidies; D011070:Poly I-C; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D017931:DNA Primers; D005452:Fluoresceins; C489428:Myc protein, mouse; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc; C029569:diacetyldichlorofluorescein; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine; D011070:Poly I-C