MAX

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. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described for this gene but the full-length nature for some of them is unknown. [provided by RefSeq]

Full Name

MAX

Function

Transcription regulator. Forms a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein complex with MYC or MAD which recognizes the core sequence 5'-CAC[GA]TG-3'. The MYC:MAX complex is a transcriptional activator, whereas the MAD:MAX complex is a repressor. May repress transcription via the recruitment of a chromatin remodeling complex containing H3 'Lys-9' histone methyltransferase activity. Represses MYC transcriptional activity from E-box elements.

Biological Process

Cellular response to peptide hormone stimulus Source: Ensembl
Cellular response to starvation Source: Ensembl
Negative regulation of gene expression Source: Ensembl
Negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: NTNU_SB
Neuron apoptotic process Source: Ensembl
Positive regulation of transcription, DNA-templated Source: ComplexPortal
Positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: GO_Central
Protein-containing complex assembly Source: Ensembl
Regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II Source: GO_Central
Response to axon injury Source: Ensembl
Response to insulin Source: Ensembl
Retina development in camera-type eye Source: Ensembl

Cellular Location

Nucleus
Other locations
dendrite

Involvement in disease

Pheochromocytoma (PCC):
A catecholamine-producing tumor of chromaffin tissue of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic paraganglia. The cardinal symptom, reflecting the increased secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine, is hypertension, which may be persistent or intermittent.

PTM

Reversible lysine acetylation might regulate the nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of specific Max complexes.