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Evolution of the TSC1/TSC2-TOR signaling pathway

Jaco Serfontein1, R Ellen R Nisbet, Christopher J Howe

  • 1Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.

Science Signaling
|July 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The TSC1/TSC2-TOR pathway evolved gradually, not fully conserved in eukaryotes. Additional components like TSC1 and TSC2 were added later in specific lineages.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • The TSC1/TSC2-TOR signaling pathway regulates crucial cellular processes like protein synthesis.
  • Previous research suggested this pathway was broadly conserved across eukaryotes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary history of the TSC1/TSC2-TOR signaling pathway.
  • To determine if the pathway is fully conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of complete eukaryotic genome sequences.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of pathway components.

Main Results:

  • The TSC1/TSC2-TOR pathway originated from a simpler ancestral pathway.
  • Key components, TSC1 and TSC2, were acquired independently in specific eukaryotic lineages.
  • The findings suggest a revised eukaryotic tree of life, grouping unikonts with Excavata and Chromalveolata.

Conclusions:

  • The TSC1/TSC2-TOR pathway's evolution is more complex than previously thought, involving stepwise addition of components.
  • This study reframes our understanding of eukaryotic evolution and the origins of key signaling pathways.

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