Mechanisms of c-Myc dependent genomic instability

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2009-09-03T14:33:16Z
Authors
Louis, Sherif
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that involves genomic instability, to which c-Myc contributes during its initiation and progression. Over 70% of all human cancers show deregulated levels of c-Myc protein. The term genomic instability refers to genetic and/or epigenetic changes that alter the normal organization and function of genes and chromosomes. Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer and often is associated with cancer. Deregulated c-Myc expression generates genomic instability by initiating intra- and extrachromosomally locus-specific gene amplification, gene rearrangements and karyotypic instability that includes translocations, fusions, insertions and deletions. Out of the several outlined pathways by which deregulated levels of c-Myc can lead to genomic instability, the work described in this thesis focuses on three with direct relevance to tumorigenesis; gene amplification (increase in gene copy number), remodeling of the chromosomal and telomeric structures in the interphase nucleus and comparing the effect of Myc to that of Epstein Bar virus (EBV) infection in remodeling the nuclear structure that may lead to genomic instability.
Description
Keywords
Genomic instability, Gene amplification, Oncoproteins, Telomeres
Citation
Louis, SF (2005). c-Myc induces chromosomal rearrangements through telomere and chromosome remodeling in the interphase nucleus 102(27):9613-8