MYC mRNA translation complex at the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center (MYC-RNC)

The MYC mRNA translation complex at the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center (PTC) is a specialized ribonucleoprotein assembly formed during the elongation phase of c-Myc protein synthesis (BioRxiv, 2025). This complex consists of the 80S ribosome, the MYC mRNA, and the growing MYC nascent polypeptide chain. It has become a focal point for therapeutic intervention because the MYC protein itself is intrinsically disordered and lacks traditional small-molecule binding pockets, making it historically undruggable (Drug Hunter, 2025). By targeting the ribosome specifically when it is engaged with the MYC sequence, interdictors like IDB-003 can selectively stall translation elongation through interactions with both the PTC and the nascent peptide (Interdict Bio, 2025). This sequence-selective inhibition leads to a rapid decrease in MYC protein levels, triggering apoptosis in MYC-dependent cancer cells while minimizing the impact on global protein synthesis (BioRxiv, 2025). This strategy is currently being explored for the treatment of various MYC-driven malignancies, including lymphomas and solid tumors (Drug Hunter, 2025).

Other names

MYC-programmed ribosome nascent chain complexMYC-RNCMYC translation elongation complexMYC-ribosome-nascent chain assembly

Sequence-selective translation elongation inhibition via ribosome stalling at the peptidyl transferase center