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Regulation of the mTOR complex 1 pathway by nutrients, growth factors, and stress

Shomit Sengupta1, Timothy R Peterson, David M Sabatini

  • 1Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Nine Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.

Molecular Cell
|October 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for cellular homeostasis, coordinating responses to nutrient and growth signals. This review examines how stresses impact mTOR complex 1, influencing aging, cancer, and diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central regulator of cellular homeostasis.
  • mTOR coordinates anabolic and catabolic processes with nutrient, energy, oxygen, and growth factor signaling.
  • Cellular stresses can disrupt mTOR-governed homeostasis, necessitating adaptive stress responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the key components of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway.
  • To elucidate how various cellular stresses affect mTORC1 signaling.
  • To understand the role of mTORC1 in stress-associated diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on mTOR complex 1.
  • Analysis of stress-induced perturbations in mTOR signaling pathways.
  • Examination of the link between mTORC1 and disease phenotypes.

Main Results:

  • mTOR forms two key protein complexes that act as nodes in stress-buffering pathways.
  • Dysregulation of mTORC1 is implicated in aging, tumorigenesis, and diabetes.
  • Specific stresses can activate or inhibit mTORC1, impacting cellular function.

Conclusions:

  • mTORC1 is a critical mediator of cellular adaptation to stress.
  • Understanding mTORC1 stress responses is vital for addressing age-related diseases and cancer.
  • Further research into mTORC1 signaling in disease pathogenesis is warranted.

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