Cooperative interaction between c-myc and bcl-2 proto-oncogenes

The genetic expression of the protein Bcl-2, encoded by the proto-oncogene bcl-2, stops apoptosis or cell death caused by the proto-oncogene c-myc without altering the mitogenic role of c-myc. This finding illuminates the mechanism of synergy between the bcl-2 and c-myc proto-oncogenes. Moreover, the new insight into oncogene interrelations may improve understanding of carcinogenesis and the development of tumors that resist drugs.