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Regulation of mTORC1 and its impact on gene expression at a glance

Mathieu Laplante1, David M Sabatini

  • 1Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, 2725 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada. mathieu.laplante@criucpq.ulaval.ca

Journal of Cell Science
|May 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates cell growth and metabolism. This review details how mTORC1 impacts gene transcription by controlling key transcription factors involved in cellular homeostasis and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a critical kinase regulating cell growth, metabolism, and homeostasis.
  • mTOR functions within two complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), with mTORC1 being extensively studied.
  • Deregulation of mTORC1 is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intricate connections between mTORC1 and gene transcription.
  • To highlight the role of mTORC1 in regulating specific transcription factors.
  • To discuss the physiological and pathological relevance of these interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the impact of mTORC1 on gene transcription.
  • Analysis of mTORC1's regulation of transcription factors such as STAT3, SREBPs, PPARs, HIF1α, YY1–PGC1α, and TFEB.
  • Discussion of the downstream effects of these transcription factors in cellular processes.

Main Results:

  • mTORC1 actively influences gene transcription beyond its known roles in protein synthesis and metabolism.
  • mTORC1 modulates the activity of multiple transcription factors crucial for cellular functions.
  • These transcription factors mediate mTORC1's effects in both normal physiological conditions and disease states.

Conclusions:

  • mTORC1 plays a significant role in regulating gene transcription, impacting cellular homeostasis.
  • Understanding mTORC1's transcriptional regulatory network is vital for comprehending its role in health and disease.
  • Targeting the mTORC1 pathway offers potential therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to its deregulation.

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