Photoproximity labeling of c-Myc reveals SLK as a cancer specific co-regulator.

Summary: Imagine trying to stop a runaway train, but there are no brakes to pull. That is what it is like trying to treat cancers caused by certain proteins called "transcription factors" (like one named c-Myc). Because these proteins have a messy shape, regular drugs cannot grab onto them to turn them off.

Instead of attacking c-Myc directly, scientists decided to look for its "friends"—other proteins that help it do its bad job in cancer cells. Using a cool new light-based tagging tool, they found a protein called SLK that only hangs out with c-Myc in cancer cells, not in healthy ones. A specific version of SLK acts like a bodyguard, keeping c-Myc safe and active, which helps tumors grow. By discovering this, scientists now have a brand-new target (SLK) they can aim at to stop the cancer train in its tracks!