MYC: a multipurpose oncogene with prognostic and therapeutic implications in blood malignancies

J Hematol Oncol. 2021 Aug 9;14(1):121. doi: 10.1186/s13045-021-01111-4.

Abstract

MYC oncogene is a transcription factor with a wide array of functions affecting cellular activities such as cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA damage response, and hematopoiesis. Due to the multi-functionality of MYC, its expression is regulated at multiple levels. Deregulation of this oncogene can give rise to a variety of cancers. In this review, MYC regulation and the mechanisms by which MYC adjusts cellular functions and its implication in hematologic malignancies are summarized. Further, we also discuss potential inhibitors of MYC that could be beneficial for treating hematologic malignancies.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Cell cycle; DNA damage response; Hematological malignancies; MYC; Oncogene; Prognostic importance; Regulation; Therapeutic implications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • DNA Damage / drug effects
  • Drug Discovery
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Genes, myc* / drug effects
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / chemistry
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • MYC protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc