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Review series: TOR kinase complexes and cell migration

Lunhua Liu1, Carole A Parent

  • 1Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|September 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Cell migration, crucial for biology and disease, is regulated by signaling pathways. The target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase complexes (TORC1 and TORC2) are key regulators of this process.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cell migration is a fundamental biological process involved in development, immunity, and disease.
  • It is orchestrated by intricate signal transduction cascades initiated by external stimuli binding to cell surface receptors.
  • The target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase has recently been identified as a critical mediator in these pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase complexes in regulating cell migration and chemotaxis.
  • To understand how TORC1 and TORC2 link external signals to the cellular machinery governing cell movement.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated signaling pathways involved in cell migration.
  • Utilized molecular biology techniques to study TORC1 and TORC2 function.
  • Examined the impact of TOR signaling on cytoskeletal dynamics and cell movement.

Main Results:

  • TOR kinase, through TORC1 and TORC2, plays a significant role in cell migration.
  • These complexes act as crucial signaling hubs connecting external cues to cytoskeletal rearrangements.
  • TOR signaling is essential for directed cell movement (chemotaxis) across various cell types.

Conclusions:

  • TORC1 and TORC2 are key regulators of cell migration and chemotaxis.
  • Understanding TOR signaling provides insights into fundamental cellular processes and potential therapeutic targets.

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