myc family oncogenes in the development of normal and neoplastic cells

Point mutations in the c-Myc transactivation domain are common in Burkitt's lymphoma and mouse plasmacytomas

We have screened the entire coding region of c-myc in a panel of Burkitt's lymphomas (BLs) and mouse plasmacytomas (PCTs). Contrary to the belief that c-myc is wild type in these tumours, we found that 65% of 57 BLs and 30% of 10 PCTs tested exhibit at least one amino acid (aa) substitution. These mutations were apparently homozygous in all BL cell lines tested and two tumour biopsies, implying that the mutations often occur before Myc/Ig translocation in BL. In PCTs, only the mutant c-myc allele was expressed indicating a functional homozygosity, but occurrence of mutations after the translocation. Many of the observed mutations are clustered in regions associated with transcriptional activation and apoptosis, and in BLs, they frequently occur at sites of phosphorylation, suggesting that the mutations have a pathogenetic role.

Overproduction of v-Myc in the nucleus and its excess over Max are not required for avian fibroblast transformation

The cellular proto-oncogene c-myc can acquire transforming potential by a number of different means, including retroviral transduction. The transduced allele generally contains point mutations relative to c-myc and is overexpressed in infected cells, usually as a v-Gag-Myc fusion protein. Upon synthesis, v-Gag-Myc enters the nucleus, forms complexes with its heterodimeric partner Max, and in this complex binds to DNA in a sequence-specific manner. To delineate the role for each of these events in fibroblast transformation, we introduced several mutations into the myc gene of the avian retrovirus MC29. We observed that Gag-Myc with a mutated nuclear localization signal is confined predominantly in the cytoplasm and only about 5% of the protein could be detected in the nucleus (less than the amount of endogenous c-Myc). Consequently, only a small fraction of Max is associated with Myc. However, cells infected with this mutant exhibit a completely transformed phenotype in vitro, suggesting that production of enough v-Gag-Myc to tie up all cellular Max is not needed for transformation. While the nuclear localization signal is dispensable for transformation, minimal changes in the v-Gag-Myc DNA-binding domain completely abolish its transforming potential, consistent with a role of Myc as a transcriptional regulator. One of its potential targets might be the endogenous c-myc, which is repressed in wild-type MC29-infected cells. Our experiments with MC29 mutants demonstrate that c-myc down-regulation depends on the integrity of the v-Myc DNA-binding domain and occurs at the RNA level. Hence, it is conceivable that v-Gag-Myc, either directly or circuitously, regulates c-myc transcription.

Overproduction of v-Myc in the nucleus and its excess over Max are not required for avian fibroblast transformation

The cellular proto-oncogene c-myc can acquire transforming potential by a number of different means, including retroviral transduction. The transduced allele generally contains point mutations relative to c-myc and is overexpressed in infected cells, usually as a v-Gag-Myc fusion protein. Upon synthesis, v-Gag-Myc enters the nucleus, forms complexes with its heterodimeric partner Max, and in this complex binds to DNA in a sequence-specific manner. To delineate the role for each of these events in fibroblast transformation, we introduced several mutations into the myc gene of the avian retrovirus MC29. We observed that Gag-Myc with a mutated nuclear localization signal is confined predominantly in the cytoplasm and only about 5% of the protein could be detected in the nucleus (less than the amount of endogenous c-Myc). Consequently, only a small fraction of Max is associated with Myc. However, cells infected with this mutant exhibit a completely transformed phenotype in vitro, suggesting that production of enough v-Gag-Myc to tie up all cellular Max is not needed for transformation. While the nuclear localization signal is dispensable for transformation, minimal changes in the v-Gag-Myc DNA-binding domain completely abolish its transforming potential, consistent with a role of Myc as a transcriptional regulator. One of its potential targets might be the endogenous c-myc, which is repressed in wild-type MC29-infected cells. Our experiments with MC29 mutants demonstrate that c-myc down-regulation depends on the integrity of the v-Myc DNA-binding domain and occurs at the RNA level. Hence, it is conceivable that v-Gag-Myc, either directly or circuitously, regulates c-myc transcription.

Gene amplification and tumor progression

Proto-oncogenes are the genes which are most frequently found amplified in human tumor cells. Acquisition of a drug-resistant phenotype by gene amplification is frequent for in-vitro cultured cells but is very rare in human tumors. Proto-oncogenes amplified in human tumors belong essentially to one of three families (erbB, ras, myc) or to the 11q13 locus. Amplification is always specific for the tumor cells and is not found in constitutional DNA of the patient, indicating that amplification of the gene is selected for during tumor growth. For genes of the first three families, amplification results in overexpression in most of the cases. These are strong arguments in favor of a role of this amplification in tumor progression. The gene whose overexpression is the driving force for the selection of the amplification of the 11q13 locus is not known. The prad1 gene is presently a good candidate. Amplification of one type of proto-oncogene is generally not restricted to one tumor type. However, the N-myc gene is amplified mainly in tumors of neuronal or neuroendocrine origin and L-myc amplification is restricted to lung carcinomas. To understand the role of proto-oncogene amplification and overexpression in tumor progression it is necessary to know the function of the corresponding protein in the cell. erbB proteins are transmembrane receptors for growth factors. ras genes encode small GTP-binding proteins which are possibly involved in signal transduction. The myc proteins are transcription factors. The expression of the c-myc gene is induced a few hours after cells of various types have been induced to proliferate. The genes of these three families therefore encode proteins which appear to be involved in signal transduction. It is possible that overexpression of one of them, as a result of gene amplification, makes the cell a better responder to low levels of growth stimuli. For several genes which are found amplified in human tumors, it was shown that overexpression of the normal protein could confer a transformed or tumorigenic phenotype to in-vitro cultured cells. In addition, several studies on animal and human tumor-derived cell lines with an amplified proto-oncogene have established a relationship between proto-oncogene amplification and the tumorigenic phenotype. In neuroblastomas, it was proposed that down-modulation of MHC Class I antigens is a consequence of N-myc amplification and that this could be important in the progression toward a metastatic phenotype.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Mechanism of c-myc regulation by c-Myb in different cell lineages

Activation of the murine c-myc promoter by murine c-Myb protein was examined in several cell lines by using a transient expression system in which Myb expression vectors activate the c-myc promoter linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene or a genomic beta-globin gene. S1 nuclease protection analyses confirmed that the induction of c-myc by c-Myb was transcriptional and affected both P1 and P2 start sites in a murine T-cell line, EL4, and a myelomonocytic line, WEHI-3. Mutational analyses of the c-myc promoter revealed that two distinct regions could confer Myb responsiveness in two T-cell lines, a distal site upstream of P1 and a proximal site within the first noncoding exon. In contrast, only the proximal site was required for other cell lineages examined. Five separate Myb-binding sites were located in this proximal site and found to be important for c-Myb trans activation. DNA binding was necessary for c-myc activation, as shown by the loss of function associated with mutation of Myb's DNA-binding domain and by trans-dominant repressor activity of the DNA binding, trans-activation-defective mutant. The involvement of additional protein factors was addressed by inhibiting protein synthesis with cycloheximide in a conditional expression system in which the activity of presynthesized Myb was under the control of estrogen. These experiments indicate that de novo synthesis of additional proteins was not necessary for c-myc trans activation. Together these data reveal two cell lineage-dependent pathways by which c-Myb regulates c-myc; however, both pathways are mechanistically indistinguishable in that direct DNA binding by Myb is required for activating c-myc whereas neither de novo protein synthesis nor other labile proteins are necessary.

Zebra fish myc family and max genes: differential expression and oncogenic activity throughout vertebrate evolution

To gain insight into the role of Myc family oncoproteins and their associated protein Max in vertebrate growth and development, we sought to identify homologs in the zebra fish (Brachydanio rerio). A combination of a polymerase chain reaction-based cloning strategy and low-stringency hybridization screening allowed for the isolation of zebra fish c-, N-, and L-myc and max genes; subsequent structural characterization showed a high degree of conservation in regions that encode motifs of known functional significance. On the functional level, zebra fish Max, like its mammalian counterpart, served to suppress the transformation activity of mouse c-Myc in rat embryo fibroblasts. In addition, the zebra fish c-myc gene proved capable of cooperating with an activated H-ras to effect the malignant transformation of mammalian cells, albeit with diminished potency compared with mouse c-myc. With respect to their roles in normal developing tissues, the differential temporal and spatial patterns of steady-state mRNA expression observed for each zebra fish myc family member suggest unique functions for L-myc in early embryogenesis, for N-myc in establishment and growth of early organ systems, and for c-myc in increasingly differentiated tissues. Furthermore, significant alterations in the steady-state expression of zebra fish myc family genes concomitant with relatively constant max expression support the emerging model of regulation of Myc function in cellular growth and differentiation.

Mechanism of c-myc regulation by c-Myb in different cell lineages

Activation of the murine c-myc promoter by murine c-Myb protein was examined in several cell lines by using a transient expression system in which Myb expression vectors activate the c-myc promoter linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene or a genomic beta-globin gene. S1 nuclease protection analyses confirmed that the induction of c-myc by c-Myb was transcriptional and affected both P1 and P2 start sites in a murine T-cell line, EL4, and a myelomonocytic line, WEHI-3. Mutational analyses of the c-myc promoter revealed that two distinct regions could confer Myb responsiveness in two T-cell lines, a distal site upstream of P1 and a proximal site within the first noncoding exon. In contrast, only the proximal site was required for other cell lineages examined. Five separate Myb-binding sites were located in this proximal site and found to be important for c-Myb trans activation. DNA binding was necessary for c-myc activation, as shown by the loss of function associated with mutation of Myb's DNA-binding domain and by trans-dominant repressor activity of the DNA binding, trans-activation-defective mutant. The involvement of additional protein factors was addressed by inhibiting protein synthesis with cycloheximide in a conditional expression system in which the activity of presynthesized Myb was under the control of estrogen. These experiments indicate that de novo synthesis of additional proteins was not necessary for c-myc trans activation. Together these data reveal two cell lineage-dependent pathways by which c-Myb regulates c-myc; however, both pathways are mechanistically indistinguishable in that direct DNA binding by Myb is required for activating c-myc whereas neither de novo protein synthesis nor other labile proteins are necessary.

Zebra fish myc family and max genes: differential expression and oncogenic activity throughout vertebrate evolution

To gain insight into the role of Myc family oncoproteins and their associated protein Max in vertebrate growth and development, we sought to identify homologs in the zebra fish (Brachydanio rerio). A combination of a polymerase chain reaction-based cloning strategy and low-stringency hybridization screening allowed for the isolation of zebra fish c-, N-, and L-myc and max genes; subsequent structural characterization showed a high degree of conservation in regions that encode motifs of known functional significance. On the functional level, zebra fish Max, like its mammalian counterpart, served to suppress the transformation activity of mouse c-Myc in rat embryo fibroblasts. In addition, the zebra fish c-myc gene proved capable of cooperating with an activated H-ras to effect the malignant transformation of mammalian cells, albeit with diminished potency compared with mouse c-myc. With respect to their roles in normal developing tissues, the differential temporal and spatial patterns of steady-state mRNA expression observed for each zebra fish myc family member suggest unique functions for L-myc in early embryogenesis, for N-myc in establishment and growth of early organ systems, and for c-myc in increasingly differentiated tissues. Furthermore, significant alterations in the steady-state expression of zebra fish myc family genes concomitant with relatively constant max expression support the emerging model of regulation of Myc function in cellular growth and differentiation.

Comparative analysis of the expression and oncogenic activities of Xenopus c-, N-, and L-myc homologs

A polymerase chain reaction-based cloning strategy allowed for the isolation of two distinct Xenopus L-myc genes, as well as previously isolated xc- and xN-myc genes, thus demonstrating that these three well-defined members of the mammalian myc gene family are present in lower vertebrates as well. Comparison of the Xenopus and mammalian Myc families revealed a high degree of structural relatedness at the gene and protein levels; this homology was consistent with the ability of the xc-myc1 and xN-myc1 genes to function as oncogenes in primary mammalian cells. In contrast, the xL-myc1 gene was found to be incapable of transforming rat embryo fibroblast cells, and this inactivity may relate to localized but significant differences in its putative transactivation domain. Analysis of xc-, xN-, and xL-myc gene expression demonstrated that (i) all three genes were highly expressed during oogenesis and their transcripts accumulated as abundant maternal mRNAs, (ii) each gene exhibited a distinctive pattern of expression during embryogenesis and in adult tissues, and (iii) the xL-myc1 and xL-myc2 genes were coordinately expressed in the maternal and zygotic genomes. The markedly high expression of the Xenopus myc gene family in differentiated tissues, such as the central nervous system and kidney, contrasts sharply with the low levels observed in mammalian adult tissues. These differences may reflect unique functions of the Myc family proteins in processes specific to amphibians, such as tissue regeneration.

Comparative analysis of the expression and oncogenic activities of Xenopus c-, N-, and L-myc homologs

A polymerase chain reaction-based cloning strategy allowed for the isolation of two distinct Xenopus L-myc genes, as well as previously isolated xc- and xN-myc genes, thus demonstrating that these three well-defined members of the mammalian myc gene family are present in lower vertebrates as well. Comparison of the Xenopus and mammalian Myc families revealed a high degree of structural relatedness at the gene and protein levels; this homology was consistent with the ability of the xc-myc1 and xN-myc1 genes to function as oncogenes in primary mammalian cells. In contrast, the xL-myc1 gene was found to be incapable of transforming rat embryo fibroblast cells, and this inactivity may relate to localized but significant differences in its putative transactivation domain. Analysis of xc-, xN-, and xL-myc gene expression demonstrated that (i) all three genes were highly expressed during oogenesis and their transcripts accumulated as abundant maternal mRNAs, (ii) each gene exhibited a distinctive pattern of expression during embryogenesis and in adult tissues, and (iii) the xL-myc1 and xL-myc2 genes were coordinately expressed in the maternal and zygotic genomes. The markedly high expression of the Xenopus myc gene family in differentiated tissues, such as the central nervous system and kidney, contrasts sharply with the low levels observed in mammalian adult tissues. These differences may reflect unique functions of the Myc family proteins in processes specific to amphibians, such as tissue regeneration.

Mutation of N-myc in mice: what does the phenotype tell us?

Oncogenesis is manifested as uncontrolled cellular proliferation and in some situations a failure of normal differentiation in the transformed cell. This has led to speculation that the normal role of proto-oncogenes during development may be to mediate the relationship between proliferation and differentiation. The advent of gene targeting in ES cells allows the role oncogenes in development to be tested directly. Two recent studies have examined the phenotype of N-myc mutant mice generated by gene targeting. In both reports, the mutation is an embryonic lethal at 11.5 days of gestation confirming a critical role for this proto-oncogene in development and the inability of other members of the myc family to substitute functionally for N-myc. Although the phenotypes are similar in general outline, the two reports differ in the specifics of the morphological and histological abnormalities identified. The disparity may result from the mutation created, the genetic background of the mutant mice or the criteria used to determine abnormalities. Assuredly, there is valuable information to be gained about N-myc function from these mutant mice. However, these reports make it clear that morphological and histological abnormalities in N-myc mutant mice serve as a starting point rather than as an endpoint. The challenge now is to link the defect at the cellular level to the abnormalities at the physiological level.

A null c-myc mutation causes lethality before 10.5 days of gestation in homozygotes and reduced fertility in heterozygous female mice

To directly assess c-myc function in cellular proliferation, differentiation, and embryogenesis, we have used homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells to generate both heterozygous and homozygous c-myc mutant ES cell lines. The mutation is a null allele at the protein level. Mouse chimeras from seven heterozygous cell lines transmitted the mutant allele to their offspring. The analysis of embryos from two clones has shown that the mutation is lethal in homozygotes between 9.5 and 10.5 days of gestation. The embryos are generally smaller and retarded in development compared with their littermates. Pathologic abnormalities include the heart, pericardium, neural tube, and delay or failure in turning of the embryo. Heterozygous females have reduced fertility owing to embryonic resorption before 9.5 days of gestation in 14% of implanted embryos. c-Myc protein is necessary for embryonic survival beyond 10.5 days of gestation; however, it appears to be dispensable for cell division both in ES cell lines and in the embryo before that time.

Mad: a heterodimeric partner for Max that antagonizes Myc transcriptional activity

Myc family proteins appear to function through heterodimerization with the stable, constitutively expressed bHLH-Zip protein, Max. To determine whether Max mediates the function of regulatory proteins other than Myc, we screened a lambda gt11 expression library with radiolabeled Max protein. One cDNA identified encodes a new member of the bHLH-Zip protein family, Mad. Human Mad protein homodimerizes poorly but binds Max in vitro, forming a sequence-specific DNA binding complex with properties very similar to those of Myc-Max. Both Myc-Max and Mad-Max heterocomplexes are favored over Max homodimers, and, unlike Max homodimers, the DNA binding activity of the heterodimers is unaffected by CKII phosphorylation. Mad does not associate with Myc or with representative bHLH, bZip, or bHLH-Zip proteins. In vivo transactivation assays suggest that Myc-Max and Mad-Max complexes have opposing functions in transcription and that Max plays a central role in this network of transcription factors.

C-myc oncogene expression in anal squamous neoplasia

AIMS

To determine the pattern of c-myc oncogene expression in anal squamous neoplasia and to determine if this could be used as a marker of disease progression.

METHODS

The presence and localisation of the c-myc gene product p62 in archival specimens of anal squamous epithelium, normal and neoplastic, was examined using immunohistochemical staining with the monoclonal antibody Myc1-6E10. Ten normal and epithelia, 10 anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) III, and 31 anal squamous cancers were examined.

RESULTS

There was a noticeable difference between the staining characteristics of invasive tumours, normal anal epithelium, and AIN III. Intense, diffuse, mixed nuclear and cytoplasmic (n = 14) and exclusively nuclear (n = 8) staining in 22 of 31 (71%) of invasive anal tumours was observed. All positively staining tumours were well differentiated histologically, while the negatively staining nine of 31 (29%) were poorly differentiated (n = 7) and moderately well differentiated (n = 2). In six positively staining tumour sections adjacent areas of AIN III and non-dysplastic anal epithelium had staining characteristics similar to those of the invasive component. Staining in both normal anal epithelium (4/10) and AIN III specimens obtained from patients without a history of invasive disease (8/10) was less intense, focal in distribution, and exclusively nuclear. No difference in staining characteristics could be detected in these two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that c-myc oncogene expression is implicated in the pathogenesis of anal squamous neoplasia, and that immunohistochemical staining for c-myc protein may be helpful in identifying those AIN III lesions most likely to progress to invasive tumours.

DNA binding by the Myc oncoproteins

The c-Myc protein is a potential activator of transcription, with the ability to bind in a heterodimer form with Max to DNA sequences containing the core hexanucleotide sequence CAC(G/A)TG. These properties are shared with L-Myc, a homologous oncoprotein expressed in small cell lung carcinoma cells; with N-Myc, expressed in neuroblastoma cells; and with avian v-Myc, the c-Myc homolog expressed by a chicken retrovirus. The c-Myc, and probably v-Myc, proteins also have nonspecific DNA binding function, which may improve the kinetics of specific DNA binding. Curiously, this domain appears not to be conserved in L-Myc or N-Myc [22]. The data that have accumulated to date are consistent with a model in which a c-Myc/Max heterodimer positively regulates the transcription of growth-related genes, with Max homodimer functioning as a negative regulator of the same genes (Fig. 4) [55]. Max is expressed constitutively at low levels, whereas c-Myc is expressed at low levels in quiescent cells, but high levels of c-Myc are induced by mitogenic stimulation [56]. Thus, in proliferating cells c-Myc/Max heterodimers might bind to the regulatory elements of growth-related genes, where the c-Myc TAD might stimulate transcription. Conversely, in quiescent cells with little c-Myc present, Max homodimers might predominate. They might bind to exactly the same regulatory elements, but due to the apparent absence of a TAD in Max [36], transcription might be repressed. Validation of this model will require the demonstration of clear regulation of a physiological promoter of a growth-related gene by c-Myc/Max. Although it is widely believed that Myc proteins function as transcriptional activators, this hypothesis has only been conclusively supported recently [57, 58]. A theory that c-Myc plays a role in DNA replication is not as well substantiated at this point. It is even possible that Myc might be involved in both transcription and replication. Although the function of these fascinating proteins has been enigmatic for a decade, the rate of progress in our understanding of Myc function is accelerating. Such progress will undoubtedly lead to a deeper appreciation of this protein, which lies at the crossroads of cellular proliferation and oncogenesis.

Antisense of oligonucleotides and the inhibition of oncogene expression

Inhibition of oncogenes represents a new strategy that might lead to a better understanding of the different steps involved in tumorigenesis and also to the development of new therapeutic approaches. Attempts have been made to interfere with gene expression by in situ generation of mRNA from recombinant vectors (antisense RNA) or by the exogenous introduction of synthetic oligonucleotides (antisense oligonucleotides). Antisense oligonucleotides can inhibit the expression of specific genes by blocking the translation after hybridization with the target mRNAs--the antisense strategy. Antisense oligonucleotides can also be targeted to specific sequences of the DNA double helix. This causes inhibition of transcription--the antigene strategy. Regulatory sequences involved in controlling the transcription of oncogenes are used as targets for this type of 'antigene' oligonucleotide. Both strategies can be applied to control the oncogene expression of tumour cells in tissue culture, as exemplified in this review by myc antisense oligonucleotides. Recently the antisense strategy is moving into the area of clinical trials, aimed at curing chronic myelogenous leukaemia by ex vivo bone marrow purging. However, many difficulties have still to be overcome before the application of antisense oligonucleotides can be evaluated in the treatment of cancer.

Expression of the woodchuck N-myc2 retroposon in brain and in liver tumors is driven by a cryptic N-myc promoter

The woodchuck intronless proto-oncogene N-myc2 was initially discovered as a frequent target site for hepadnavirus integration in hepatocellular carcinoma. N-myc2 possesses characteristics of a functional retroposon derived from the woodchuck N-myc gene. We have investigated the regulatory signals governing N-myc2 expression and found that a short promoter, including a variant TATA box and potential binding sites for several transcription factors, is localized in the N-myc2 sequences homologous to the 5' untranslated region of the second N-myc exon. The corresponding region in the intron-containing woodchuck N-myc gene also exhibited promoter activity in transient transfection assays. The high evolutionary conservation of these sequences in mammalian N-myc genes suggests that they contain a cryptic N-myc promoter which may be unmasked in the particular context provided by the N-myc2 retroposon. Although N-myc2, like the woodchuck N-myc gene, contributes to an extended CpG island and was found constitutively hypomethylated, it presents a highly restricted expression pattern in adult animals. Whereas the intron-containing N-myc gene is expressed at low levels in different tissues, N-myc2 mRNA was detected only in brain tissue, raising questions about the functional significance of the maintenance of a second N-myc gene in the woodchuck genome.

Expression of the woodchuck N-myc2 retroposon in brain and in liver tumors is driven by a cryptic N-myc promoter

The woodchuck intronless proto-oncogene N-myc2 was initially discovered as a frequent target site for hepadnavirus integration in hepatocellular carcinoma. N-myc2 possesses characteristics of a functional retroposon derived from the woodchuck N-myc gene. We have investigated the regulatory signals governing N-myc2 expression and found that a short promoter, including a variant TATA box and potential binding sites for several transcription factors, is localized in the N-myc2 sequences homologous to the 5' untranslated region of the second N-myc exon. The corresponding region in the intron-containing woodchuck N-myc gene also exhibited promoter activity in transient transfection assays. The high evolutionary conservation of these sequences in mammalian N-myc genes suggests that they contain a cryptic N-myc promoter which may be unmasked in the particular context provided by the N-myc2 retroposon. Although N-myc2, like the woodchuck N-myc gene, contributes to an extended CpG island and was found constitutively hypomethylated, it presents a highly restricted expression pattern in adult animals. Whereas the intron-containing N-myc gene is expressed at low levels in different tissues, N-myc2 mRNA was detected only in brain tissue, raising questions about the functional significance of the maintenance of a second N-myc gene in the woodchuck genome.

Hepadnavirus integration: mechanisms of activation of the N-myc2 retrotransposon in woodchuck liver tumors

In persistent hepadnavirus infections, a distinctive feature of woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) is the coupling of frequent viral integrations into myc family genes with the rapid onset of primary liver tumors. We have investigated the patterns of WHV DNA insertion into N-myc2, a newly identified retroposed oncogene, in woodchuck hepatomas resulting from either natural or experimental infections. In both cases, integrated viral sequences were preferentially associated with the N-myc2 locus. In more than 40% of the woodchuck tumors analyzed, viral insertion sites were clustered in a 3-kb region upstream of N-myc2 or in the 3' noncoding region. Insertion of WHV sequences homologous to the human hepatitis B virus enhancers, either upstream or downstream of the N-myc2 coding domain, was associated with the production of normal N-myc2 mRNA or hybrid N-myc2-WHV transcripts, initiated at the normal N-myc2 transcriptional start site. Transient-transfection assays with different N-myc2-WHV constructs in HepG2 cells demonstrated that the viral enhancers could efficiently activate the N-myc2 promoter. These results, showing that cis activation of preferred cellular targets through enhancer insertion is a common strategy for tumor induction by WHV, emphasize the previously noted similarities between hepadnaviruses and nonacute oncogenic retroviruses.

Opposite orientations of DNA bending by c-Myc and Max

The control of gene transcription requires specific protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. c-Myc, the protein product of the c-myc protooncogene, is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix leucine-zipper class of transcription factors. Although c-Myc is able to bind to a specific core hexanucleotide DNA sequence (CACGTG), its precise function in modulating transcription remains unclear. The recent discovery of Max, a basic helix-loop-helix leucine-zipper partner protein for c-Myc, suggests that the ability of c-Myc to regulate transcription is modulated by the presence of Max. By taking advantage of the altered mobility of protein-bound DNA in the mobility-shift assay, we demonstrate the homo- and heterodimeric complexes of c-Myc and Max are able to cause increased DNA flexure as measured by the circular permutation assay. Based on phasing analysis, c-Myc and Max homodimers bend DNA in opposite orientations, whereas c-Myc-Max heterodimers cause a smaller bend, in an orientation similar to that induced by Max homodimers. To address the possibility that the apparent opposite orientation of bending was the result of DNA unwinding by one of the proteins, we measured the ability of c-Myc and Max homodimers to affect DNA unwinding; we were unable to show any specific unwinding caused by c-Myc or Max. In addition to demonstrating that members of the basic helix-loop-helix leucine-zipper class of transcription factors are able to induce DNA bending, these results suggest that different transcription factor dimers are able to bind to identical DNA sequences and yet have distinct structural effects.

Activation domains of L-Myc and c-Myc determine their transforming potencies in rat embryo cells

Members of the Myc family of proteins share a number of protein motifs that are found in regulators of gene transcription. Conserved stretches of amino acids found in the N-terminal transcriptional activation domain of c-Myc are required for cotransforming activity. Most of the Myc proteins contain the basic helix-loop-helix zipper (bHLH-Zip) DNA-binding motif which is also required for the cotransforming activity of c-Myc. L-Myc, the product of a myc family gene that is highly amplified in many human lung carcinomas, was found to cotransform primary rat embryo cells with an activated ras gene. However, L-Myc cotransforming activity was only 1 to 10% of that of c-Myc (M. J. Birrer, S. Segal, J. S. DeGreve, F. Kaye, E. A. Sausville, and J. D. Minna, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:2668-2673, 1988). We sought to determine whether functional differences between c-Myc and L-Myc in either the N-terminal or the C-terminal domain could account for the relatively diminished L-Myc cotransforming activity. Although the N-terminal domain of L-Myc could activate transcription when fused to the yeast GAL4 DNA-binding domain, the activity was only 5% of that of a comparable c-Myc domain. We next determined that the interaction of the C-terminal bHLH-Zip region of L-Myc or c-Myc with that of a Myc partner protein, Max, was equivalent in transfected cells. A Max expression vector was found to augment the cotransforming activity of L-Myc as well as that of c-Myc. In addition, a bacterially synthesized DNA-binding domain of L-Myc, like that o c-Myc, heterodimerizes with purified Max protein to bind the core DNA sequence CACGTG. To determine the region of L-Myc responsible for its relatively diminished cotransforming activity, we constructed chimeras containing exons 2 (constituting activation domains) and 3 (constituting DNA-binding domains) of c-Myc fused to those of L-Myc. The cotransforming potencies of these chimeras were compared with those of full-length L-Myc of c-Myc in rat embryo cells. The relative cotransforming activities suggest that the potencies of the activation domains determine the cotransforming efficiencies for c-Myc and L-Myc. This correlation supports the hypothesis that the Myc proteins function in neoplastic cotransformation as transcription factors.

Myc family oncoproteins function through a common pathway to transform normal cells in culture: cross-interference by Max and trans-acting dominant mutants

The myc family of cellular oncogenes encodes three highly related nuclear phosphoproteins (c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc) that are believed to function as sequence-specific transcription factors capable of regulating genes important in cellular growth and differentiation. Current evidence indicates that Myc family proteins exist as biologically active heterodimeric complexes in association with another helix-loop-helix leucine zipper phosphoprotein, Max. We have investigated the common and unique properties among the Myc family, as well as the physiological role of Max in the regulation of Myc family function. We demonstrate that trans-activation-incompetent mutants of one Myc family member can act in trans to dominantly suppress the cotransformation activities of all three Myc oncoproteins, indicating that the Myc family functions through common genetic elements in its cellular transformation pathways. Employing co-immunoprecipitation with either anti-Myc or anti-Max antibodies, we show that the transfected normal c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc oncoproteins associate with the endogenous Max protein in REF transformants, indicating that the Max interaction represents at least one component common to Myc family function. In addition, we observed a striking reduction in Myc cotransformation activity when a Max expression construct was added to myc/ras co-transfections. We discuss these biological findings in the context of a proposed model for Myc/Max function and regulation in which Max serves as either an obligate partner in the Myc/Max transcriptional complex or as a repressor in the form of a transcriptionally inert Max/Max homodimer capable of occupying Myc/Max-responsive gene targets.

Activation domains of L-Myc and c-Myc determine their transforming potencies in rat embryo cells

Members of the Myc family of proteins share a number of protein motifs that are found in regulators of gene transcription. Conserved stretches of amino acids found in the N-terminal transcriptional activation domain of c-Myc are required for cotransforming activity. Most of the Myc proteins contain the basic helix-loop-helix zipper (bHLH-Zip) DNA-binding motif which is also required for the cotransforming activity of c-Myc. L-Myc, the product of a myc family gene that is highly amplified in many human lung carcinomas, was found to cotransform primary rat embryo cells with an activated ras gene. However, L-Myc cotransforming activity was only 1 to 10% of that of c-Myc (M. J. Birrer, S. Segal, J. S. DeGreve, F. Kaye, E. A. Sausville, and J. D. Minna, Mol. Cell. Biol. 8:2668-2673, 1988). We sought to determine whether functional differences between c-Myc and L-Myc in either the N-terminal or the C-terminal domain could account for the relatively diminished L-Myc cotransforming activity. Although the N-terminal domain of L-Myc could activate transcription when fused to the yeast GAL4 DNA-binding domain, the activity was only 5% of that of a comparable c-Myc domain. We next determined that the interaction of the C-terminal bHLH-Zip region of L-Myc or c-Myc with that of a Myc partner protein, Max, was equivalent in transfected cells. A Max expression vector was found to augment the cotransforming activity of L-Myc as well as that of c-Myc. In addition, a bacterially synthesized DNA-binding domain of L-Myc, like that o c-Myc, heterodimerizes with purified Max protein to bind the core DNA sequence CACGTG. To determine the region of L-Myc responsible for its relatively diminished cotransforming activity, we constructed chimeras containing exons 2 (constituting activation domains) and 3 (constituting DNA-binding domains) of c-Myc fused to those of L-Myc. The cotransforming potencies of these chimeras were compared with those of full-length L-Myc of c-Myc in rat embryo cells. The relative cotransforming activities suggest that the potencies of the activation domains determine the cotransforming efficiencies for c-Myc and L-Myc. This correlation supports the hypothesis that the Myc proteins function in neoplastic cotransformation as transcription factors.

Myc and Max function as a nucleoprotein complex

The Myc family of oncoproteins are thought to regulate proliferation and differentiation in a wide variety of cell types. Recent studies show that Myc proteins form sequence-specific DNA-binding complexes with Max, a new member of the helix-loop-helix leucine zipper protein class. The properties of the Myc-Max complex suggest a mechanism for Myc's function in both normal and neoplastic cell behavior.

Multiple rearrangements and activated expression of c-myc induced by woodchuck hepatitis virus integration in a primary liver tumour

Woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) is a small, partially double-stranded DNA virus. Like the related human hepatitis B virus (HBV), WHV induces acute and chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in its natural host. WHV DNA integration into c-myc and N-myc, resulting in deregulated expression of these genes, has been described previously in woodchuck HCC. We have analysed a woodchuck liver tumour in which WHV DNA was integrated in the c-myc gene. The virus insertion provoked multiple alterations in one c-myc allele, probably involving secondary deletions and mutations. Integrated viral DNA, including promotor and enhancer sequences, acted as an insertional mutagen, leading to enhanced expression of heterogenous c-myc transcripts ranging from 7.2 to 14 kb in size, strikingly longer than normal 2.3-kb c-myc RNA. These results provide an additional example in which the oncogenic activation of a myc gene by cis-acting effect of WHV insertion may play a critical role in virus-induced woodchuck HCC.

Complex transcriptional regulation of myc family gene expression in the developing mouse brain and liver

myc family genes (c-, N-, and L-myc) have been shown to be differentially expressed with respect to tissue type and developmental stage. To define and compare the regulatory mechanisms governing their differential developmental expression, we examined the transcriptional regulation of each myc family member during murine postnatal brain and liver development. Nuclear run-on transcription assays demonstrated that both the rate of transcriptional initiation and the degree of transcriptional blocking contribute in a complex manner to the regulation of all three genes. During postnatal brain development, the relative contribution of each transcriptional control mechanism to the regulation of myc family gene expression was found to be different for each gene. For instance, while modulation of transcriptional attenuation did not appear to contribute to the down-regulation of L-myc expression, attenuation was found to be the dominant mechanism by which steady-state N-myc mRNA levels were down-regulated. Different transcriptional strategies were found to be employed in newborn versus adult developing liver for repression of N- and L-myc expression. Undetectable steady-state N- and L-myc mRNA levels in newborn liver were associated with a very low rate of transcriptional initiation, whereas the lack of N- and L-myc expression at the adult stage was accompanied by a high rate of initiation and a striking degree of transcriptional attenuation. Transcriptional attenuation in the N-myc gene was found to map to a region encoding a potential stem-loop structure followed by a thymine tract within the first exon and was not dependent on the use of a specific transcriptional start site.

Complex transcriptional regulation of myc family gene expression in the developing mouse brain and liver

myc family genes (c-, N-, and L-myc) have been shown to be differentially expressed with respect to tissue type and developmental stage. To define and compare the regulatory mechanisms governing their differential developmental expression, we examined the transcriptional regulation of each myc family member during murine postnatal brain and liver development. Nuclear run-on transcription assays demonstrated that both the rate of transcriptional initiation and the degree of transcriptional blocking contribute in a complex manner to the regulation of all three genes. During postnatal brain development, the relative contribution of each transcriptional control mechanism to the regulation of myc family gene expression was found to be different for each gene. For instance, while modulation of transcriptional attenuation did not appear to contribute to the down-regulation of L-myc expression, attenuation was found to be the dominant mechanism by which steady-state N-myc mRNA levels were down-regulated. Different transcriptional strategies were found to be employed in newborn versus adult developing liver for repression of N- and L-myc expression. Undetectable steady-state N- and L-myc mRNA levels in newborn liver were associated with a very low rate of transcriptional initiation, whereas the lack of N- and L-myc expression at the adult stage was accompanied by a high rate of initiation and a striking degree of transcriptional attenuation. Transcriptional attenuation in the N-myc gene was found to map to a region encoding a potential stem-loop structure followed by a thymine tract within the first exon and was not dependent on the use of a specific transcriptional start site.