Cornell study maps c-Myc interactions and identifies SLK protein as cancer target

Cornell University researchers have announced a new photochemically driven labeling technique that can capture cancer‑specific protein–protein interactions in living cells. By activating a light‑sensitive probe, the method selectively tags proteins that interact only within malignant tissues, allowing scientists to map the interaction networks that drive tumor growth. The team demonstrated the approach on prostate, small‑cell lung, and pancreatic cancer models, revealing interaction patterns that are absent in normal cells.

The ability to isolate these cancer‑specific complexes offers a powerful platform for drug discovery, as it pinpoints molecular partners that could be disrupted by targeted therapies. By providing a clearer picture of the signaling pathways unique to aggressive cancers, the technique could accelerate the development of precision medicines and improve diagnostic specificity for some of the deadliest malignancies.