Fox Chase researchers find way to block MYC gene amplification in cancer

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have discovered how to control and stop amplification of the MYC gene, a common driver of aggressive tumor growth and treatment resistance, according to a study published in Molecular Cell. The study found that MYC amplification is a biologically regulated process controlled by epigenetic machinery, not a random mutation. Targeting proteins KDM4C and SETD2, which act as gatekeepers, can prevent the gene from being copied repeatedly, with blocking KDM4C reducing amplification in cancer cells and animal models. The research also revealed that MYC amplification becomes dangerous when cells lose fail-safes like the TP53 tumor suppressor, allowing abnormal copies to survive and form aggressive tumors. The findings suggest new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for treatment-resistant cancers.