Confirmation of the assignment of MYCL to chromosome 1 in humans and its position relative to RH, UMPK, and PGM1

MYC function and regulation in physiological perspective

MYC, a key member of the Myc-proto-oncogene family, is a universal transcription amplifier that regulates almost every physiological process in a cell including cell cycle, proliferation, metabolism, differentiation, and apoptosis. MYC interacts with several cofactors, chromatin modifiers, and regulators to direct gene expression. MYC levels are tightly regulated, and deregulation of MYC has been associated with numerous diseases including cancer. Understanding the comprehensive biology of MYC under physiological conditions is an utmost necessity to demark biological functions of MYC from its pathological functions. Here we review the recent advances in biological mechanisms, functions, and regulation of MYC. We also emphasize the role of MYC as a global transcription amplifier.

MYC, MYCL, and MYCN as therapeutic targets in lung cancer

Introduction: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Despite recent advances with personalized therapies and immunotherapy, the prognosis remains dire and recurrence is frequent. Myc is an oncogene deregulated in human cancers, including lung cancer, where it supports tumorigenic processes and progression. Elevated Myc levels have also been associated with resistance to therapy.Areas covered: This article summarizes the genomic and transcriptomic studies that compile evidence for (i) MYC, MYCN, and MYCL amplification and overexpression in lung cancer patients, and (ii) their prognostic significance. We collected the most recent literature regarding the development of Myc inhibitors where the emphasis is on those inhibitors tested in lung cancer experimental models and their potential for future clinical application.Expert opinion: The targeting of Myc in lung cancer is potentially an unprecedented opportunity for inhibiting a key player in tumor progression and maintenance and therapeutic resistance. Myc inhibitory strategies are on the path to their clinical application but further work is necessary for the assessment of their use in combination with standard treatment approaches. Given the role of Myc in immune suppression, a significant opportunity may exist in the combination of Myc inhibitors with immunotherapies.

The MYCN Protein in Health and Disease

MYCN is a member of the MYC family of proto-oncogenes. It encodes a transcription factor, MYCN, involved in the control of fundamental processes during embryonal development. The MYCN protein is situated downstream of several signaling pathways promoting cell growth, proliferation and metabolism of progenitor cells in different developing organs and tissues. Conversely, deregulated MYCN signaling supports the development of several different tumors, mainly with a childhood onset, including neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Wilms’ tumor, but it is also associated with some cancers occurring during adulthood such as prostate and lung cancer. In neuroblastoma, MYCN-amplification is the most consistent genetic aberration associated with poor prognosis and treatment failure. Targeting MYCN has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of these tumors and great efforts have allowed the development of direct and indirect MYCN inhibitors with potential clinical use.

Prognostic value of Rhesus blood groups in oral squamous cell carcinomas

In the current study of the prognosis of all patients (N equals 70) with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of floor of mouth in Norway during the period 1963 to 1972, the authors found that patients with Rhesus (Rh) (D)-negative blood group had significantly poorer prognosis (mean 5-year survival, 8%) than patients with Rh (D)-positive blood group (5-year survival, 30%) (P equals 0.04). This extends the authors' previous observations in another group of oral cancer patients. The authors do not know the explanation for this association. However, the Rh gene locus is located on the short arm of chromosome 1 which reportedly has shown rearrangements in some head and neck SCC and other human neoplasms. The authors therefore speculate that the Rh gene locus may be linked with chromosome 1 changes of importance for the progression of oral SCC.

Prognostic value of various molecular and cellular features in oral squamous cell carcinomas: a review

Recent findings of prognostic value for oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) which may supplement clinical staging are reviewed. Many reports show that histopathologic grading, measurements of tumor-thickness and DNA-content have independent prognostic value and may thus be of clinical value. Features regarding cells at the invading margins of the tumors are probably of higher prognostic value than features within other parts of the tumors. Reportedly, various other cellular and serum markers have prognostic associations worthwhile further research.

Assignment of the YT blood group locus to chromosome 7q

The antithetical antigens YT1 and YT2 constitute the YT blood group system (International Society of Blood Transfusion system number 11). Despite being serologically well defined, the YT blood group locus (YT) has not secured a chromosomal location. In our report, peak lods of 3.61 at theta = 0.00 for YT:COL1A2 and of 3.31 at theta = 0.00 for YT:D7S13 allow us to assign YT to the long arm of chromosome 7.

Molecular genetic linkage maps of mouse chromosomes 4 and 6

We have generated a moderate resolution genetic map of mouse chromosomes 4 and 6 utilizing a (C57BL/6J x Mus spretus) F1 x Mus spretus backcross with RFLPs for 31 probes. The map for chromosome 4 covers 77 cM and details a large region of homology to human chromosome 1p. The map establishes the breakpoints in the mouse 4-human 1p region of homology to a 2-cM interval between Ifa and Jun in mouse and to the interval between JUN and ACADM in human. The map for mouse chromosome 6 spans a 65-cM region and contains a large region of homology to human 7q. These maps also provide chromosomal assignment and order for a number of previously unmapped probes. The maps should allow the rapid regional assignment of new markers to mouse chromosomes 4 and 6. In addition, knowledge of the gene order in mouse may prove useful in determining the gene order of the homologous regions in human.

Distinction of the glycophorin C locus from the Diego, Dombrock and Yt blood group loci

DNA samples from families informative for the Diego (DI), Dombrock (DO) and Yt (YT) blood group loci were analyzed with a cDNA probe defining a Taq I polymorphism at the glycophorin C locus (GYPC). Recombination between GYPC and DI, DO and YT occurs. Hence GYPC is differentiated from all established blood group system loci.

Genetic linkage between the Kell blood group system and prolactin-inducible protein loci: provisional assignment of KEL to chromosome 7

The Kell blood group locus (KEL) is tightly linked to the prolactin-inducible protein locus (PIP) with zeta = 9.12 at theta = 0.00 for combined paternal and maternal meioses. In view of the regional localization of PIP to 7q32-q36 (Myal et al. 1989a), a similar assignment for KEL is favoured.

Linkage between the Colton blood group locus and ASSP11 on chromosome 7

In an attempt to assign the Colton blood group locus (CO) we have successfully revisited chromosome 7. CO is linked to the argininosuccinate synthetase pseudogene 11 locus (ASSP11) with z = 5.79 at theta = 0.07 for combined paternal and maternal meioses. We propose a 7p position for CO.

Genetic evidence that the gene controlling Aub is located on chromosome 19

DNA from a series of families segregating for Aub was analyzed with a genomic DNA probe which defines a Bg1 I polymorphism for apolipoprotein C II (APOC2). The investigation revealed that the gene for Aub is closely linked to APOC2 (z = 8.43 at theta = 0.00) for paternal and maternal meioses combined, to LW (z = 3.61 at theta = 0.00) in paternal meioses and less closely linked to SE (z = 3.10 at theta = 0.09) for combined paternal and maternal meioses. Therefore, we propose a chromosome 19 location for the Aub gene.

A molecular genetic linkage map of mouse chromosome 4 including the localization of several proto-oncogenes

We have constructed a 64-cM molecular genetic linkage map of mouse chromosome 4 using interspecific backcross animals derived from mating C57BL/6J and Mus spretus mice. Several proto-oncogenes and common sites of viral integration have been assigned regional locations on chromosome 4 including Mos, Lyn, Jun, Lmyc, Lck, Fgr, and Dsi-1. Additional loci mapped in this study to chromosome 4 were Tsha, Mup-1, Rrm2-ps1, Ifa, and Anf. A comparison of our mapping data with inbred strain mapping data did not show any evidence for inversions or deletions on chromosome 4. New regions of synteny were defined between mouse chromosome 4 and human chromosomes 1 and 8; a region of homology was found between mouse chromosome 4 and human chromosome 6. This linkage map will provide a framework for identifying homologous genes in mice and humans that may be involved in various disease processes.