c-Myc can induce DNA damage, increase reactive oxygen species, and mitigate p53 function: A mechanism for oncogene-induced genetic instability

Omid Vafa, Mark Wade, Suzanne Kern, Michelle Beeche, Tej K. Pandita, Garret M. Hampton, Geoffrey M. Wahl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

762 Scopus citations

Abstract

Oncogene overexpression activates p53 by a mechanism posited to involve uncharacterized hyperproliferative signals. We determined whether such signals produce metabolic perturbations that generate DNA damage, a known p53 inducer. Biochemical, cytological, cell cycle, and global gene expression analyses revealed that brief c-Myc activation can induce DNA damage prior to S phase in normal human fibroblasts. Damage correlated with induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) without induction of apoptosis. Deregulated c-Myc partially disabled the p53-mediated DNA damage response, enabling cells with damaged genomes to enter the cycle, resulting in poor clonogenic survival. An antioxidant reduced ROS, decreased DNA damage and p53 activation, and improved survival. We propose that oncogene activation can induce DNA damage and override damage controls, thereby accelerating tumor progression via genetic instability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1031-1044
Number of pages14
JournalMolecular Cell
Volume9
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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