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mTOR complex 2 signaling and functions

Won Jun Oh1, Estela Jacinto

  • 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA.

Cell Cycle (Georgetown, Tex.)
|June 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is crucial for cell growth. Recent research using inhibitors and genetic models reveals new insights into mTORC2 signaling and functions in diseases and aging.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates cellular growth and metabolism.
  • mTOR forms two complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2, with mTORC1 being extensively studied due to rapamycin inhibition.
  • Understanding mTORC2 function and signaling has historically lagged behind mTORC1.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding mammalian mTORC2 signaling.
  • To highlight the cellular and tissue-specific functions of mTORC2.
  • To re-evaluate mTORC2's role in cancer, metabolic disorders, and aging.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing pharmacological inhibitors targeting mTOR kinase activity.
  • Employing genetic knockout mouse models for mTOR complex components.
  • Synthesizing recent findings from various research studies.

Main Results:

  • New insights into mTORC2 function and regulation have emerged.
  • Pharmacological inhibitors and genetic models have aided in dissecting mTORC2 pathways.
  • Prolonged rapamycin use can affect mTORC2, necessitating re-evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • mTORC2 plays a significant, yet less understood, role in cellular processes.
  • Further research into mTORC2 is critical for understanding diseases like cancer and metabolic disorders.
  • mTORC2's involvement in aging warrants continued investigation.

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