Related Experiment Videos
Coordinate regulation of translation by the PI 3-kinase and mTOR pathways
Kathleen A Martin1, John Blenis
1Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Abstract:
Control of translation initiation is an important means by which cells tightly regulate the critical processes of growth and proliferation. Multiple effector proteins contribute to translation initiation of specially modified mRNAs that modulate these processes. Coordinated regulation of these translational effectors by multiple signaling pathways allows the integration of information regarding mitogenic signals, energy levels, and nutrient sufficiency. The mTOR protein, in particular, serves as a sensor of all of these signals and is thought to thus serve as a crucial checkpoint control protein. Signals from the mTOR pathway converge with mitogenic inputs from the phosphoinositide (PI) 3-kinase pathway on translational effector proteins to coordinately control cellular growth, size, and cell proliferation. The translational effectors regulated by the PI 3-kinase and mTOR pathways and their roles in regulation of cellular growth will be the primary focus of this review.
Insights
Cellular growth and proliferation depend on translation initiation control. The PI 3-kinase and mTOR pathways coordinate this process by regulating key effector proteins involved in cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Translation initiation is a critical regulatory point for cell growth and proliferation.
- Multiple signaling pathways converge to control translation.
- The mTOR protein integrates signals related to mitogens, energy, and nutrients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of translational effectors regulated by PI 3-kinase and mTOR pathways.
- To elucidate how these pathways control cellular growth and proliferation.
Main Methods:
- This review focuses on analyzing existing literature.
- It synthesizes information on signaling pathways and protein effectors.
Main Results:
- The PI 3-kinase and mTOR pathways are central regulators of translation initiation.
- These pathways coordinate cellular responses to growth signals and nutrient availability.
- Specific translational effectors are modulated to control cell size and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- The coordinated regulation of translation by PI 3-kinase and mTOR is essential for cellular homeostasis.
- Understanding these pathways provides insights into growth control mechanisms.
- Dysregulation of these pathways may contribute to diseases like cancer.