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Cancer's 'McGene': New Clues to Overactive MYC
2 Oct
Summary
- MYC gene, nicknamed 'McGene', is overactive in 70% of cancers.
- New study reveals control circuit for MYC gene's extra copies.
- Targeting MYC remains challenging due to its structure.
Scientists have identified crucial control mechanisms for the MYC gene, commonly referred to as 'McGene,' which is implicated in 70% of all cancer cases. This gene's overactivity promotes aggressive tumor growth and spread. The research, published in Molecular Cell, delves into the molecular machinery that governs the accumulation of extra MYC gene copies within cells.
The study highlights two critical molecular switches. One enzyme, KDM4C, prompts the cell to create duplicate copies of MYC, thereby promoting cancer. Conversely, another enzyme, SETD2, acts as a suppressor, limiting MYC amplification. Researchers demonstrated that blocking KDM4C reduced MYC copy numbers in laboratory experiments and in mice.
Despite this progress, targeting MYC directly remains a significant challenge for drug development. Its structure, lacking easily accessible pockets and possessing a highly flexible region, makes it difficult for drugs to bind effectively. Nevertheless, ongoing research includes early-stage clinical trials for drugs that directly target MYC or its interacting partners, indicating continued efforts to combat this critical cancer gene.
