Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
10:56
Polysome Fractionation and Analysis of Mammalian Translatomes on a Genome-wide Scale
Published on: May 17, 2014
When translation meets transformation: the mTOR story
Oncogene
|October 17, 2006
Summary
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for cell function and cancer. Understanding mTOR targets, like eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, is key for developing new cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a central regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and proliferation.
- Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is implicated in various diseases, particularly cancers.
- Key mTOR targets include proteins controlling protein synthesis, such as eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mTOR signaling in tumorigenesis.
- To explore the regulation of mTOR targets, specifically eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, in cancer.
- To identify new therapeutic strategies targeting the mTOR pathway for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of mTOR-dependent phosphorylation of regulatory proteins.
- Investigation of the role of eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E in tumor development.
- Examination of signaling pathways downstream of mTOR.
Main Results:
- mTOR signaling significantly influences the translational machinery.
- eukaryotic initiation factor eIF4E, a direct target of mTOR, plays a critical role in cancer.
- Regulation of eIF4E involves mTOR-dependent phosphorylation of inhibitory proteins like eIF4E-binding protein 1.
Conclusions:
- Targeting mTOR signaling presents a promising anticancer strategy for a subset of tumors.
- Further research into mTOR downstream signaling is essential for developing novel cancer therapies.
- Understanding the regulation of translational components by mTOR is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
01:31Translation
Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
01:31Translation
Lesson: Translation
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
01:22PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast, mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
01:44Termination of Translation
The large ribosomal subunit has several important structures essential to translation. These include the peptidyl transferase center (PTC) - which is the site where the peptide bond is formed - and a large, internal, water-filled tube through which the nascent polypeptide moves. This latter structure is called the Peptide Exit Tunnel, and it begins at the PTC and spans the body of the large ribosomal subunit. During translation, as the nascent polypeptide chain is synthesized, it passes through...