MAX cDNA Clone – MYC Associated Factor X (Human)

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLHZ) family of transcription factors. It is able to form homodimers and heterodimers with other family members, which include Mad, Mxi1 and Myc. Myc is an oncoprotein implicated in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The homodimers and heterodimers compete for a common DNA target site (the E box) and rearrangement among these dimer forms provides a complex system of transcriptional regulation. Mutations of this gene have been reported to be associated with hereditary pheochromocytoma. A pseudogene of this gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 7. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2012]

MAX: a transcription factor. Forms a DNA- binding protein complex with MYC or MAD. The MYC-MAX complex is a transcriptional activator, whereas the MAD-MAX complex is a repressor. CPG methylation of the recognition site greatly inhibits DNA binding, suggesting that DNA methylation may regulate the MYC/MAX complex in vivo. May repress transcription via the recruitment of a chromatin remodeling complex containing H3-K9 histone methyltransferase activity. Three alternatively spliced isoforms have been reported.

Protein type: DNA-binding; Transcription factor

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 14q23

Cellular Component: cytoplasm; nucleoplasm; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein binding; transcription coactivator activity; transcription cofactor activity; transcription factor activity

Biological Process: transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter