The Relevance of Oncogene-Induced Apoptosis in Cancer

Cancers arise through the progressive accumulation of mutations that compromise control of cell proliferation, differentiation, cell adhesion, apoptosis and mortality. Deregulation of the cmyc proto-oncogene is a ubiquitous neoplastic mutation that disrupts cell growth control and renders cells independent of mitogens for cell cycle progression. However, activation of c-myc also sensitises cells to apoptosis. We believe that this innately contradictory action of c-myc acts as a restraint to the propagation of neoplastic cells within the soma, but this has never been directly demonstrated in vivo.