Cancer therapeutics: targeting the dark side of Myc.
The potent Myc oncoprotein plays a pivotal role as a regulator of tumorigenesis in numerous human cancers of diverse origin. Experimental evidence shows that inhibiting Myc significantly halts tumour cell growth and proliferation. This review summarises recent progress in understanding the function of Myc as a transcription factor, with emphasis on key protein interactions and target gene regulation. In addition, major advances in drug development aimed at eliminating Myc are described, including antisense and triple helix forming oligonucleotides, porphyrins and siRNA. Future anti-Myc strategies are also discussed that inhibit Myc at the level of expression and/or function. Targeting the dark side of Myc with novel therapeutic agents promises to have a profound impact in combating cancer.
Ponzielli
Romina
R
Ontario Cancer Institute/Princess Margaret Hospital, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ont., Canada M5G 2M9.
Katz
Sigal
S
Barsyte-Lovejoy
Dalia
D
Penn
Linda Z
LZ
D050976:Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression; D016259:Genes, myc; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D034622:RNA Interference / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000235:genetics
D050976:Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors; C067850:Myc associated factor X; D016271:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc