Abstract

Research Article1 January 1991free access The MYC protein activates transcription of the alpha-prothymosin gene. M. Eilers M. Eilers Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-San Francisco 94143–0552. Search for more papers by this author S. Schirm S. Schirm Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-San Francisco 94143–0552. Search for more papers by this author J. M. Bishop J. M. Bishop Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-San Francisco 94143–0552. Search for more papers by this author M. Eilers M. Eilers Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-San Francisco 94143–0552. Search for more papers by this author S. Schirm S. Schirm Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-San Francisco 94143–0552. Search for more papers by this author J. M. Bishop J. M. Bishop Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-San Francisco 94143–0552. Search for more papers by this author Author Information M. Eilers1, S. Schirm1 and J. M. Bishop1 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-San Francisco 94143–0552. The EMBO Journal (1991)10:133-141https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1460-2075.1991.tb07929.x PDFDownload PDF of article text and main figures. ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyWechatReddit Figures & Info The proto-oncogene MYC encodes a nuclear protein whose biochemical and physiological functions remain uncertain. We used an estrogen-regulated version of the MYC protein to explore these functions. Activation of MYC in quiescent rat and mouse fibroblasts elicited re-entry into and progression through the cell cycle, bypassing early events that would follow stimulation of the cells with serum. Activation of MYC led to a rapid increase in transcription of the alpha-prothymosin gene, even in the absence of protein synthesis. We conclude that the product of MYC acts directly on transcription, in accord with inferences based on the structure of the MYC protein. The function of alpha-prothymosin is not known, but our results suggest that the protein may play a role in the proliferation of mammalian cells. Previous ArticleNext Article Volume 10Issue 11 January 1991In this issue RelatedDetailsLoading ...