Regulation of the somatotropic axis by MYC-mediated miRNA repression.

The transcription factor MYC is overexpressed in many human cancers and has a significant causal role in tumor incidence and progression. In contrast, heterozygous mice, which have decreased MYC expression, exhibit a 10-20% increase in lifespan and a decreased incidence or progression of several age-related diseases. heterozygous mice were also reported to have decreased mTOR and IGF1 signaling, two pathways whose reduced activity is associated with longevity in diverse species.