Dynamic in vivo interactions among Myc network members

Oncogene. 2001 Aug 2;20(34):4650-64. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1204606.

Abstract

Members of the Myc oncoprotein network (c-Myc, Max, and Mad) play important roles in proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. We expressed chimeric green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusions of c-Myc, Max, and three Mad proteins in fibroblasts. Individually, c-Myc and Mad proteins localized in subnuclear speckles, whereas Max assumed a homogeneous nuclear pattern. These distributions were co-dominant and dynamic, however, as each protein assumed the pattern of its heterodimeric partner when the latter was co-expressed at a higher level. Deletion mapping of two Mad members, Mad1 and Mxi1, demonstrated that the domains responsible for nuclear localization and speckling are separable. A non-speckling Mxi1 mutant was also less effective as a transcriptional repressor than wild-type Mxi1. c-Myc nuclear speckles were distinct from SC-35 domains involved in mRNA processing. However, in the presence of co-expressed Max, c-Myc, but not Mad, co-localized to a subset of SC-35 loci. These results show that Myc network proteins comprise dynamic subnuclear structures and behave co-dominantly when co-expressed with their normal heterodimerization partners. In addition, c-Myc-Max heterodimers, but not Max-Mad heterodimers, localize to foci actively engaged in pre-mRNA transcription/processing. These findings suggest novel means by which Myc network members promote transcriptional activation or repression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Blotting, Western
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Compartmentation
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • I-kappa B Proteins*
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins / chemistry
  • Phosphoproteins / genetics
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism*
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism
  • Repressor Proteins / chemistry
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • Basic-Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • I-kappa B Proteins
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • MXI1 protein, human
  • Mad1l1 protein, mouse
  • Max protein, rat
  • Mxi1 protein, mouse
  • Mxi1 protein, rat
  • Myc associated factor X
  • NFKBIA protein, human
  • Nfkbia protein, mouse
  • Nfkbia protein, rat
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Max protein, mouse
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins