Repository logo
 

Reversible Myc hypomorphism identifies a key Myc-dependency in early cancer evolution

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Kortlever, Roderik M  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5558-2851
Campos, Tania 
Kwon, Yong-won 

Abstract

Germ-line hypomorphism of the pleiotropic transcription factor Myc in mice, either through Myc gene haploinsufficiency or deletion of Myc enhancers, delays onset of various cancers while mice remain viable and exhibit only relatively mild pathologies. Using a genetically engineered mouse model in which Myc expression may be systemically and reversibly hypomorphed at will, we asked whether this resistance to tumour progression is also emplaced when Myc hypomorphism is acutely imposed in adult mice. Indeed, adult Myc hypomorphism profoundly blocked KRasG12D-driven lung and pancreatic cancers, arresting their evolution at the early transition from indolent pre-tumour to invasive cancer. We show that such arrest is due to the incapacity of hypomorphic levels of Myc to drive release of signals that instruct the microenvironmental remodelling necessary to support invasive cancer. The cancer protection afforded by long-term adult imposition of Myc hypomorphism is accompanied by only mild collateral side effects, principally in haematopoiesis. However, by metronomically imposing Myc hypomorphism even these mild deficits are circumvented, while potent cancer protection is retained.

Description

Keywords

Mice, Animals, Genes, ras, Transcription Factors, Pancreatic Neoplasms, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc, Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras), Cell Line, Tumor

Journal Title

Nature Communications

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2041-1723
2041-1723

Volume Title

13

Publisher

Nature Research
Sponsorship
Cancer Research UK (19013)
European Research Council (294851)
Cancer Research Uk (None)