Do changes in the c-MYC coding sequence contribute to tumorigenesis?

The role of changes in the c-MYC coding sequence in cancer is controversial. Overexpression of wild-type protein is sufficient to drive tumorigenesis, yet point mutations in c-MYC are common in Burkitt's lymphoma. Our discovery that disparate tumor-associated mutations in c-MYC have similar protumorigenic effects suggests that these mutations contribute directly to malignancy.