LMyc

L-Myc is a member of the Myc family of transcription factors. In humans, it is encoded by the MYCL1 gene. L-Myc forms a functional dimer with MAX and binds DNA at E-box sequences to regulate transcription. Like other Myc proteins, it controls the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and differentiation.

L-Myc is expressed in various tissues during development, and studies in animal models indicate it supports normal growth of specific cell lineages. In some contexts, L-Myc can substitute for c-Myc to sustain proliferation, though it may have distinct target gene preferences and different transforming potential.

Alterations in MYCL1, including amplification or aberrant expression, have been reported in certain cancers. L-Myc–driven programs can promote oncogenic growth by upregulating growth-related and metabolic pathways. Because of the central role of Myc family proteins in gene regulation, they remain a focus of cancer biology and therapeutic research; approaches that disrupt Myc–MAX dimerization or downstream signaling are under study.

L-Myc activity is regulated at multiple levels, including transcriptional control, post-translational modifications, and interaction with MAX. Its function is context-dependent, contributing to normal development in some cell types but potentially driving tumorigenesis when dysregulated.