| abstract |
A polypeptide which specifically binds to the helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper domain of either the Myc gene product or the Max gene product so as to prevent Myc:Max heterodimerisation under physiological conditions. The polypeptides have diagnostic and therapeutic applications in relation to tumours associated with overexpression of the Myc gene product. Candidate therapeutic agents may be screened by a process which comprises contacting cells with the candidate therapeutic agents or, when the candidate therapeutic agent is a peptide, optionally expressing the peptide in the cells, which cells contain a reporter gene the expression of which is enhanced or reduced by agents which interfere with Myc:Max heterodimerisation, and observing the level of expression of the reporter gene by the cells. |