Anti-MAX Antibody Picoband®

MAX (Max protein), also called Myc-associated factor x, is the most conserved dimerization component of the MYC-MAX-MXD1 network of basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLHZ) transcription factors that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The conservation of the MAX sequence is particularly high in the bHLHZ domain, which is involved in protein-protein interactions and DNA binding. The MAX gene is located on chromosome 14q23 by fluorescence in situ chromosomal hybridization. Both quasisymmetric heterodimers resemble the symmetric MAX homodimer, albeit with marked structural differences in the coiled-coil leucine zipper regions that explain preferential homo- and heteromeric dimerization of these 3 evolutionarily related DNA-binding proteins. MAX acts as a classic tumor suppressor gene. Normal lymphocytes from patients showed absence of methylation of the MAX promoter and biallelic expression of MAX, which ruled out an imprinting-mediated effect on MAX expression. The ability of these cells to divide, differentiate, and apoptose in the absence of Max demonstrated for the first time that these processes can occur via Max- and possibly Myc-independent mechanisms.

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.

1. Blackwood, E., Eisenman, R. N. Max: a helix-loop-helix zipper protein that forms a sequence-specific DNA-binding complex with Myc.Science 251: 1211-1217, 1991. 2. Gilladoga, A. D., Edelhoff, S., Blackwood, E. M., Eisenman, R. N., Disteche, C. M. Mapping of MAX to human chromosome 14 and mouse chromosome 12 by in situ hybridization. Oncogene 7: 1249-1251, 1992. 3. Hopewell, R., Ziff, E. B. The nerve growth factor-responsive PC12 cell line does not express the Myc dimerization partner Max. Molec. Cell Biol. 15: 3470-3478, 1995.

Store at -20°C for one year from date of receipt. After reconstitution, at 4°C for one month. It can also be aliquotted and stored frozen at -20°C for six months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.