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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Biochemical Titration of Glycogen In vitro
Published on: November 24, 2013
Ribosome biogenesis: giant steps for a giant problem.
1Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Center for Genetics and Development, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
The TOR signaling network regulates ribosomal protein gene expression through the transcription factor FHL1 in yeast. This discovery clarifies how TOR controls ribosome production based on environmental signals.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
Background:
- The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling network is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism.
- Ribosome biogenesis is a highly energy-consuming process tightly controlled by cellular signaling pathways.
- Understanding TOR's role in ribosome production is key to deciphering cellular responses to nutrient availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism by which the TOR signaling network controls ribosomal protein (RP) gene expression.
- To identify key transcription factors involved in TOR-mediated regulation of ribosome biogenesis.
- To investigate the role of Forkhead-like transcription factor 1 (FHL1) in this process within budding yeast.
Main Methods:
- Utilized budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as a model organism.
- Investigated the rapamycin-sensitive TOR signaling pathway.
- Analyzed the transcriptional regulation of ribosomal protein genes.
- Examined the function of the Forkhead-like transcription factor FHL1.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that the TOR signaling network directly controls ribosomal protein gene expression.
- Identified FHL1 as a critical transcription factor mediating TOR's effects on RP genes.
- Showcased the rapamycin sensitivity of this regulatory pathway in yeast.
Conclusions:
- The TOR pathway, via FHL1, provides a direct link to the regulation of ribosomal protein gene expression.
- This mechanism is crucial for coordinating ribosome biogenesis with environmental cues in budding yeast.
- Findings advance the understanding of nutrient-sensing pathways controlling fundamental cellular processes.
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