Distinct thresholds govern Myc's biological output In vivo

Murphy, D.J. , Junttila, M.R., Pouyet, L., Karnezis, A., Shchors, K., Bui, D.A., Brown-Swigart, L., Johnson, L. and Evan, G.I. (2008) Distinct thresholds govern Myc's biological output In vivo. Cancer Cell, 14(6), pp. 447-457. (doi: 10.1016/j.ccr.2008.10.018)

Abstract

Deregulated Myc triggers a variety of intrinsic tumor suppressor programs that serve to restrain Myc's oncogenic potential. Since Myc activity is also required for normal cell proliferation, activation of intrinsic tumor suppression must be triggered only when Myc signaling is oncogenic. However, how cells discriminate between normal and oncogenic Myc is unknown. Here we show that distinct threshold levels of Myc govern its output in vivo: low levels of deregulated Myc are competent to drive ectopic proliferation of somatic cells and oncogenesis, but activation of the apoptotic and ARF/p53 intrinsic tumor surveillance pathways requires Myc overexpression. The requirement to keep activated oncogenes at a low level to avoid engaging tumor suppression is likely an important selective pressure governing the early stages of tumor microevolution.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Murphy, Professor Daniel
• Authors: Murphy, D.J., Junttila, M.R., Pouyet, L., Karnezis, A., Shchors, K., Bui, D.A., Brown-Swigart, L., Johnson, L., and Evan, G.I.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Cancer Cell
• ISSN: 1535-6108
• ISSN (Online): 1878-3686