NMycMAX

NMycMAX refers to the heterodimer formed by N-Myc and MAX, a transcription factor complex within the Myc/Max/Mad network. N-Myc is encoded by the MYCN gene and belongs to the Myc family; MAX is a dimerization partner that can pair with Myc family members. The N-Myc/MAX complex binds to E-box DNA motifs (canonical CACGTG and related sequences) in regulatory regions to activate transcription of numerous target genes involved in cell growth, metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and cell cycle progression. Through these targets, the complex promotes cellular proliferation and plays a particularly important role in neural development.

In normal development, N-Myc/MAX activity is tightly regulated, with transcriptional programs balanced by other network components, including Mad family proteins that form repressive Mad/MAX dimers. Disruption of this balance, notably amplification of MYCN, leads to elevated N-Myc/MAX activity and contributes to oncogenesis, most prominently in neuroblastoma, where high MYCN copy number is associated with poor prognosis. The oncogenic effects of N-MycMAX are mediated by sustained expression of growth-promoting genes and metabolic rewiring; N-Myc protein stability is also regulated by interactions with other cellular factors in cancer cells.

Therapeutic strategies targeting N-MycMAX focus on reducing N-Myc levels, disrupting MAX interactions, or inhibiting downstream targets to curb proliferation in MYCN-amplified tumors. The concept of NMycMAX highlights the broader role of Myc family dimers in transcriptional control and cancer biology.