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Small-Molecule Modulators of c-Myc/Max and Max/Max Interactions

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Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Protein-Protein Interactions

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology ((CT MICROBIOLOGY,volume 348))

Abstract

The transcription factor c-Myc is overexpressed in many tumors in human beings and has been identified as a highly promising target for cancer therapy. Most biological functions of c-Myc require heterodimerization with its activation partner Max. Inhibition of the protein–protein interactions between c-Myc and Max by small molecules has been shown to be a feasible and powerful approach toward the inhibition of c-Myc functions. More recently, stabilization of Max homodimers to reduce the amount of Max available for activating c-Myc has also been demonstrated to counteract Myc activity. This review summarizes our current knowledge on small organic molecules that inhibit c-Myc by modulating protein–protein interactions relevant for the biological function of this important oncoprotein.

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Acknowledgments

Work in my research group is supported by the Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid). I would like to thank Wolfgang Reindl for generating Fig. 1b, and Angela Hollis for critical reading of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 29, 04103, Leipzig, Germany

    Thorsten Berg

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  1. Thorsten Berg
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Correspondence to Thorsten Berg .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Roche Research Center, Dept. Discovery Oncology, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Kingsland Street 340, Nutley, 07110-1199, New Jersey, USA

    Lyubomir Vassilev

  2. Roche Research Center, Dept. of Discovery Oncology, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Kingsland Street 340, Nutley, 07110, New Jersey, USA

    David Fry

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Berg, T. (2010). Small-Molecule Modulators of c-Myc/Max and Max/Max Interactions. In: Vassilev, L., Fry, D. (eds) Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Protein-Protein Interactions. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, vol 348. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/82_2010_90

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