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TOR signaling in growth and metabolism

Stephan Wullschleger1, Robbie Loewith, Michael N Hall

  • 1Biozentrum, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 70, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland.

Cell
|February 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The target of rapamycin (TOR) regulates cell growth and metabolism. Inhibiting mammalian TOR may treat cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The target of rapamycin (TOR) is a crucial Ser/Thr kinase conserved across species.
  • TOR signaling integrates environmental cues to control cellular growth and metabolism.
  • Mammalian TOR functions within two distinct multiprotein complexes: TORC1 and TORC2.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways mediated by mTOR.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of mTOR inhibitors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and studies from model organisms.
  • Analysis of the structure and function of mTORC1 and mTORC2.
  • Examination of the physiological outcomes of mTORC1 dysregulation.

Main Results:

  • mTOR exists in two distinct complexes: rapamycin-sensitive TORC1 and rapamycin-insensitive TORC2.
  • TORC1 and TORC2 regulate different cellular processes.
  • Dysregulation of mammalian TORC1 is implicated in various diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Mammalian TORC1 and TORC2 play critical roles in cellular regulation.
  • Targeting mammalian TOR, particularly TORC1, shows promise for therapeutic intervention.
  • mTOR inhibitors may offer new treatment strategies for cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and metabolic disorders.

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