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MYCN (MYCN proto-oncogene; N-Myc) is a member of the MYC family
of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors that regulates genes involved in
cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, differentiation and
apoptosis. MYCN amplification or overexpression is strongly oncogenic and is
particularly important in neuroblastoma, where amplification is associated with
aggressive disease, increased tumour progression and poor prognosis. Increased
MYCN activity promotes proliferative and metabolic programs, inhibits neuronal
differentiation and can enhance glycolysis, angiogenesis, stemness and metastatic
behaviour. Experimental MYCN suppression can reduce proliferation, promote
differentiation and inhibit tumour growth. The typical cancer-associated
direction is therefore up, while the desired anticancer
modulation is down, transcriptional suppression or destabilization
of the MYCN protein. MYCN is separate from MYC (c-Myc) and MYCL,
which are related but distinct MYC-family oncogenes.
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