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Fission yeast Tor2 promotes cell growth and represses cell differentiation

Beatriz Alvarez1, Sergio Moreno

  • 1Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC/Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain.

Journal of Cell Science
|October 19, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The TOR kinase Tor2 in fission yeast controls the switch between cell growth and differentiation based on nutrient availability. Tor2 also represses sexual differentiation by interfering with key regulatory proteins.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe coordinates cell growth and differentiation with nutrient availability.
  • The molecular mechanisms governing this nutrient-responsive switch are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Tor2, a member of the TOR protein kinase family, in regulating the balance between cell growth and differentiation in S. pombe.
  • To identify the molecular mechanisms by which Tor2 controls these processes in response to nutrient cues.

Main Methods:

  • Genetic manipulation of Tor2 activity (overexpression and inactivation) in S. pombe.
  • Analysis of cell growth, ribosome biogenesis, and sexual differentiation markers (mating, meiosis, sporulation).
  • Investigation of interactions between Tor2, transcription factor Ste11, and RNA-binding protein Mei2.

Main Results:

  • Tor2 is central to controlling the switch between cell growth and differentiation based on nutrient availability.
  • Tor2 regulates cell growth and ribosome biogenesis via ribosomal protein gene expression.
  • Tor2 represses sexual differentiation (mating, meiosis, sporulation) and interferes with Ste11 and Mei2 functions.

Conclusions:

  • The Tor pathway, through Tor2, ensures that growth and differentiation are mutually exclusive processes.
  • Environmental conditions dictate the choice between growth and differentiation, mediated by Tor2's regulatory functions.

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