Myc Molecule Function in Cancer Discovered!

Twenty years ago the myc molecule was discovered, but it was not until this month that its function was understood. Myc increases the rate at which RNA polymerase II produces proteins, thereby increasing the rate of cell division.

The myc molecule behaves like the central manager of a number of different factories with the ability to send production lines into overdrive (by as much as 12 times the normal amount) when the need arises. Myc is noted in many types of cancers and contributes to one in seven of all cancer deaths.

The discovery of the function of myc may help in the design of anti-cancer drugs to block the action of myc and prevent the disease from spreading.

(Source: January Nature)