The protein encoded by this gene is a multifunctional, nuclear phosphoprotein that plays a role in cell cycle progression, apoptosis and cellular transformation. It functions as a transcription factor that regulates transcription of specific target genes. Mutations, overexpression, rearrangement and translocation of this gene have been associated with a variety of hematopoietic tumors, leukemias and lymphomas, including Burkitt lymphoma. There is evidence to show that alternative translation initiations from an upstream, in-frame non-AUG (CUG) and a downstream AUG start site result in the production of two isoforms with distinct N-termini. The synthesis of non-AUG initiated protein is suppressed in Burkitt's lymphomas, suggesting its importance in the normal function of this gene. [provided by RefSeq]

Myc: a proto-oncogenic transcription factor that plays a role in cell proliferation, apoptosis and in the development of human tumors. Seems to activate the transcription of growth-related genes.

Protein type: Oncoprotein; Transcription factor; Nucleolus; DNA-binding

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 8q24.21

Cellular Component: nucleoplasm; protein complex; nucleolus; cytosol; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein dimerization activity; protein binding; DNA binding; protein complex binding; transcription factor activity; transcription factor binding

Biological Process: cellular iron ion homeostasis; oxygen transport; positive regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent; positive regulation of caspase activity; negative regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter; Wnt receptor signaling pathway through beta-catenin; chromosome organization and biogenesis; positive regulation of fibroblast proliferation; transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling pathway; positive regulation of mesenchymal cell proliferation; positive regulation of cell proliferation; response to gamma radiation; cell cycle arrest; response to drug; transcription initiation from RNA polymerase II promoter; Notch signaling pathway; regulation of telomere maintenance; transcription, DNA-dependent; MAPKKK cascade; negative regulation of cell division; negative regulation of monocyte differentiation; negative regulation of stress-activated MAPK cascade; chromatin remodeling; regulation of gene expression; ureteric bud branching; negative regulation of fibroblast proliferation; energy reserve metabolic process; positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter; gene expression; response to DNA damage stimulus; positive regulation of epithelial cell proliferation; negative regulation of apoptosis

Disease: Burkitt Lymphoma