Mechanisms of MYC deregulation in aggressive lymphomas. The levels of MYC mRNA expression and protein can vary according to the mechanism that is driving transcription and the presence of MYC mutations, which are reflected as different colors for mRNA and protein (blue for wild type). MYC mRNA is the highest in the context of an IG-MYC translocation. Decreased mRNA degradation in patients who have MYC T58 mutations (red) can further increase MYC mRNA levels, whereas other mutations can decrease MYC protein levels (green). MYC transcription can be increased through mechanisms other than translocations, but they are more variable and generally result in lower MYC protein expression.