c-Myc and eIF4F constitute a feedforward loop that regulates cell growth: Implications for anticancer therapy

Abstract

The Myc/Max/Mad family of transcription factors and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (4F) complex play fundamental roles in regulating cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and oncogenic transformation. Recent findings indicate that the role of Myc during cell growth and proliferation is linked to an increase in eIF4F activity in a feedforward relationship, providing a possible molecular mechanism of cell transformation by Myc. Developing therapeutics to inhibit eIF4F and/ or Myc could be a potential treatment for a wide range of human cancers. ©2009 American Association for Cancer Research.