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Elucidating TOR signaling and rapamycin action: lessons from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
José L Crespo1, Michael N Hall
1Division of Biochemistry, Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
TOR (target of rapamycin) is a phosphatidylinositol kinase-related protein kinase that controls cell growth in response to nutrients. Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive and anticancer drug that acts by inhibiting TOR. The modes of action of TOR and rapamycin are remarkably conserved from S. cerevisiae to humans. The current understanding of TOR and rapamycin is derived largely from studies with S. cerevisiae. In this review, we discuss the contributions made by S. cerevisiae to understanding rapamycin action and TOR function.
Insights
Target of rapamycin (TOR) controls cell growth. Rapamycin, an immunosuppressive drug, inhibits TOR. Studies in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) have significantly advanced our understanding of TOR function and rapamycin
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Target of rapamycin (TOR) is a key regulator of cell growth, responding to nutrient availability.
- Rapamycin is a drug used for immunosuppression and cancer treatment, functioning by inhibiting TOR.
- The biological roles and mechanisms of TOR and rapamycin are highly conserved across species, from yeast to humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the significant contributions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae research to understanding TOR function.
- To elucidate the conserved mechanisms of rapamycin action and TOR signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies focusing on TOR and rapamycin in S. cerevisiae.
- Analysis of conserved molecular pathways and cellular processes regulated by TOR.
- Comparative analysis of TOR signaling in yeast and higher eukaryotes.
Main Results:
- S. cerevisiae has been instrumental in identifying core TOR signaling components and regulatory networks.
- Yeast studies have revealed fundamental insights into how TOR integrates nutrient signals to control growth.
- Conserved mechanisms of rapamycin-mediated TOR inhibition have been elucidated through yeast models.
Conclusions:
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae serves as a powerful model organism for dissecting fundamental aspects of TOR biology.
- Understanding TOR function in yeast provides a crucial foundation for studying its role in human health and disease.
- Continued research in yeast will likely yield further insights into rapamycin's therapeutic potential and TOR pathway regulation.