In a significant development for cancer research, Nobel laureate David MacMillan has been appointed as a Distinguished Scholar at the Princeton Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. This appointment marks one of only three such positions within the global network of Ludwig Cancer Research.
The leadership and members of the Ludwig Princeton Branch convened at Princeton Chemistry’s Frick Lab to welcome MacMillan. The new collaboration aims to leverage advanced technologies in cancer research, particularly focusing on µMap, a light-based labeling technique developed by MacMillan six years ago. This technology allows scientists to examine cellular microenvironments closely and explore molecular interactions.
Established in 2021 under Professor Joshua Rabinowitz, the Ludwig Princeton Branch focuses on advancing cancer and metabolism science. Micromap is expected to enhance this research by investigating the links between diet, metabolism, and cancer. “I’m thrilled,” said MacMillan, expressing enthusiasm about joining teams worldwide that contribute diverse expertise to cancer research.
MacMillan elaborated on his approach: “If you think of cancer as a machine… you can also understand which part is the weakest link so you can stick a wrench in the gears at that point and shut the whole thing down.” He added that using Micromap at the Ludwig Branch aims to achieve this understanding.
Micromap uses an organic metal compound catalyst attached selectively to proteins on a cell’s surface. When exposed to blue light, it generates fluorescent markers that identify proteins and their neighboring molecules within 1 to 10 nanometers. This method provides insights into molecular behavior changes leading to diseases.
The technology’s application was visualized through images showing cells painted fluorescent green by µMap catalysts.
Ludwig Institute CEO Chi Van Dang expressed excitement over MacMillan joining the Princeton Branch: “I expect Dave’s innovative photo-proximity labeling will be in high demand…” Rabinowitz noted that bringing MacMillan into the branch aligns with its objective to master metabolism for cancer prevention and treatment.
MacMillan’s lab has recently focused on chemical biology after two decades centered on catalysis. He anticipates significant impacts from collaborating with experts worldwide: “Together, collectively, this allows us to push the needle towards therapies…”
Ludwig Cancer Research has been pioneering discoveries for over 50 years by combining basic science with clinical evaluation efforts aimed at accelerating new diagnostic and therapeutic developments against cancer.
