Myc overexpression enhances apoptosis induced by small molecules

Cell Cycle. 2006 Oct;5(19):2191-4. doi: 10.4161/cc.5.19.3320. Epub 2006 Oct 1.

Abstract

The Myc oncogene is deregulated in a wide variety of human tumors hence the Myc pathway is an attractive target for tailored cancer treatment. We have recently identified two small molecules, MYRAs (Myc-pathway response agents), that induce apoptosis in a Myc-dependent manner and inhibit Myc-driven transformation. Here, we show that these compounds in addition have prominent effects in MYCN overexpressing neuroblastoma cells. A third compound, NSC308848, also induced apoptosis in Myc-overexpressing cells and inhibited Myc-induced cellular transformation. However, in contrast to the MYRAs, NSC308848 treatment resulted in decreased Myc protein levels and gave rise to inhibitory effects also on other transcription factors than Myc. Taken together, our findings suggest that these three small molecules can elicit a similar biological response by interfering with the Myc pathway at different levels.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthracenes / pharmacology
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Diamines / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Hydrazones / pharmacology
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / drug effects*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / physiology
  • Purines / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anthracenes
  • Diamines
  • Hydrazones
  • NSC 339585
  • NSC 45641
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Purines