Role of c-Myc in Apc mutant intestinal phenotype: case closed or time for a new beginning?

Cancer Cell. 2007 May;11(5):391-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ccr.2007.04.015.

Abstract

Inactivation of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene occurs in most colorectal cancers. The proto-oncogene c-MYC was one of the first genes linked to APC inactivation, but the in vivo significance of c-MYC's enhanced expression in intestinal cells with APC defects has been uncertain. Sansom et al. recently reported that targeted inactivation of c-Myc in murine intestinal epithelium potently inhibited phenotypical and transcriptional changes seen in Apc-deficient intestinal epithelium. While these findings are very interesting, some questions remain about the assignment of c-Myc as the pre-eminent beta-catenin-regulated gene in intestinal epithelium.

MeSH terms

  • Genes, APC*
  • Genes, myc*
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Mutation*
  • Phenotype