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Published on: February 16, 2017
TOR signaling
Thurl E Harris1, John C Lawrence
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Abstract:
The mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, is a protein Ser-Thr kinase that functions as a central element in a signaling pathway involved in the control of cell growth and proliferation. The activity of mTOR is controlled not only by amino acids, but also by hormones and growth factors that activate the protein kinase Akt. The signaling pathway downstream of Akt leading to mTOR involves the protein products of the genes mutated in tuberous sclerosis, TSC1 and TSC2, and the small guanosine triphosphatase, Rheb. In cells, mTOR is found in a complex with two other proteins, raptor and mLST8. In this review, we describe recent progress in understanding the control of the mTOR signaling pathway and the role of mTOR-interacting proteins.
Insights
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates cell growth. This review details recent advances in understanding mTOR pathway control and its interacting proteins.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key Ser-Thr kinase.
- mTOR signaling controls cell growth and proliferation.
- mTOR activity is influenced by nutrients, hormones, and growth factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in understanding mTOR pathway regulation.
- To explore the role of mTOR-interacting proteins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involving mTOR, Akt, TSC1/TSC2, and Rheb.
- Examination of mTOR protein complexes.
Main Results:
- The mTOR pathway integrates signals from amino acids, hormones, and growth factors.
- Key regulators include Akt, TSC1/TSC2, and Rheb.
- mTOR forms complexes with raptor and mLST8.
Conclusions:
- Significant advancements have been made in elucidating mTOR pathway control.
- Understanding mTOR-interacting proteins is crucial for comprehending its function.
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