Engelsk definition
A basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLHZ) transcription factor and proto-oncogene protein that functions in cell growth and proliferation. In mammals, it is highly expressed in the brain during embryogenesis and is essential for brain development; it is not expressed in adult tissues. Amplification or overexpression of N-Myc occurs in at least 20% of tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis in cases of NEUROBLASTOMA; ALVEOLAR RHABDOMYOSARCOMA; SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA; and neuroendocrine prostate cancer.