c-myc and cutaneous vascular neoplasms

Am J Dermatopathol. 2013 May;35(3):364-9. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0b013e31827aad83.

Abstract

The c-myc proto-oncogene is involved in various cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Overexpression and deregulated expression of the gene have been previously linked to several lineage-unrelated, aggressive, and poorly differentiated tumors. The expression of c-myc has also been implicated in hematopoiesis and has been shown to play a crucial role in angiogenesis via a vascular endothelial growth factor-dependent mechanism. This gives c-myc a dual oncogenic function in that tumor growth requires both cell proliferation and angiogenesis to ensure survival and confer an effective malignancy. Amplification of c-myc has been recently reported to be a recurrent genetic alteration in angiosarcomas secondary to irradiation and/or chronic lymphedema. Of note, however, no c-myc gene abnormalities have been demonstrated in cases of primary angiosarcomas or postradiation atypical vascular lesions. More recently, our own experience indicates that c-myc amplification is not normally found in the Kaposi sarcoma and cannot be correlated with expression of the c-Myc protein. This comprehensive review outlines the structure, normal functions, and effects of the deregulated expression of c-myc with particular emphasis on its role in angiogenesis and select cutaneous vascular neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms, Vascular Tissue / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Protein Conformation
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / chemistry
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • MAS1 protein, human
  • MYC protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc