The invention herein provides a mode of treating a disease associated with the regulation of T-Box and N-Myc gene which includes cancers and heart disease in human and other subjects by identifying and administering a compound which modulates T-Box or N-Myc function. The invention also provides polynucleotides, polypeptides, vectors, cells, tissues and organisms useful in the identification and treatment of metabolic syndrome. A number of desirable cell proliferation and senescence regulating aspects are achieved by various embodiments of the present invention.