Genes & Cancer: MYC: A Far-Reaching Cancer Gene

As one of the first oncogenes identified, Myc has enjoyed an illustrious history. In reflection of 30 years of research and in excess of 20,000 published articles, two major themes emerge. First, the fine-tuned regulation and numerous activities of Myc in normal cells are unparalleled and a beauty to behold. Second, when this regulation is lost, Myc rears its beastly head and takes the role of one of the most prominent and intriguing of oncoproteins. (From Myc: The Beauty and the Beast by Amanda R. Wasylishen and Linda Z. Penn in Genes & Cancer Vol 1 No 6, 2010.)

MYCA Far-Reaching Cancer Gene edited by Dr. Chi Van Dang at Johns Hopkins is a truly outstanding compilation of comprehensive reviews ("Monographs") that addresses the myriad roles of this very important oncogene in growth, development, metabolism, and cancer. As Dr. Dang states in his introductory remarks, "This special issue captures the excitement that is associated with MYC-mediated tumorigenesis through reviews that span a timeline of MYC research including a fundamental understanding of how the MYC gene itself is regulated, the study of Myc in model organisms, Myc function, and target genes to translational research in search of new therapeutic modalities for the treatment of cancer."