In the present study we demonstrated, for the first time, an association between the switch from Mad1/Max to Myc/Max binding and activation of hTERT transcription after leptin treatment of HepG2 cells and additionally an expanded interaction of Myc/Max complex accompanied by an increase in H3 acetylation in hTERT proximal promoter after long term leptin treatment of HCC cells. The gene discussed is MYC; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.