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Interaction with Max via the helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper (HLH-LZ) domain is essential for Myc to function as a transcription factor. Myc is commonly upregulated in tumours, however, its activity can also be potentiated by virally derived mutations. vMyc, derived from the virus, MC29 gag-Myc, differs from its cellular counterpart by five amino acids. The N-terminal mutation stabilizes the protein, however, the significance of the other mutations is not known. We now show that vMyc can sustain longer deletions in the LZ domain than cMyc before complete loss in transforming activity, implicating the viral mutations in contributing to Myc:Max complex formation. We confirmed this both in vitro and in vivo, with loss of Max binding correlating with a loss in the biological activity of Myc. A specific viral mutation, isoleucine383>leucine (I383>L) in helix 2 of the HLH domain, extends the LZ domain from four to five heptad repeats. Significantly, introduction of I383>L into a Myc mutant that is defective for Max binding substantially restored its ability to complex with Max in vitro and in vivo. We therefore propose that this virally derived mutation is functional by significantly contributing to establishing a more hydrophobic interface between the LZs of Myc and Max.

Original publication

DOI

10.1093/nar/gki832

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nucleic Acids Res

Publication Date

2005

Volume

33

Pages

5235 - 5242

Keywords

Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors, Binding Sites, Chick Embryo, DNA-Binding Proteins, Dimerization, Helix-Loop-Helix Motifs, Leucine Zippers, Molecular Sequence Data, Mutation, Oncogene Protein p55(v-myc), Protein Structure, Tertiary, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc, Sequence Deletion, Transcription Factors