Mapping of MAX to human chromosome 14 and mouse chromosome 12 by in situ hybridization.

The protein encoded by the MAX gene is a member of the class of basic region-helix-loop-helix-zipper proteins and has been demonstrated to associate with N-, L-, and c-Myc proteins both in vitro and in vivo. Heterodimers formed between c-Myc and Max proteins have been shown to possess sequence-specific DNA-binding activity. Here we report the mapping of the MAX gene to a single region on human chromosome 14 (bands q22-q24) and to mouse chromosome 12 (region D). Chromosome abnormalities linked to several neoplasms have been previously associated with this region on human chromosome 14. The mapping results also confirm a region of homology between human chromosome 14q22-24 and mouse chromosome 12 region D.