Polycomb group proteins and MYC: the cancer connection

Abstract

Polycomb group proteins (PcGs) are transcriptional repressors involved in physiological processes whereas PcG deregulation might result in oncogenesis. MYC oncogene is able to regulate gene transcription, proliferation, apoptosis, and malignant transformation. MYC deregulation might result in tumorigenesis with tumor maintenance properties in both solid and blood cancers. Although the interaction of PcG and MYC in cancer was described years ago, new findings are reported every day to explain the exact mechanisms and results of such interactions. In this review, we summarize recent data on the PcG and MYC interactions in cancer, and the putative involvement of microRNAs in the equation.