Myc and Max Homologs in Drosophila

• DOI: 10.1126/science.274.5292.1523
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T09:35:26Z
• Authors: Peter Gallant; Yuzuru Shiio; Pei Feng Cheng; Susan M. Parkhurst; Robert N. Eisenman
• Keywords: Transcription

The proteins encoded by the myc proto-oncogene family are involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and neoplasia. Myc acts through dimerization with Max to bind DNA activate transcription. Homologs of max genes were cloned from fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster their protein products (dMyc dMax) shown heterodimerize, recognize same sequence as vertebrate homologs, dMyc is likely gene diminutive ( dm ), a mutation which results small body size female sterility caused degeneration ovaries. These findings indicate potential role for germ development set stage genetic analysis Max.