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The opposing actions of target of rapamycin and AMP-activated protein kinase in cell growth control

Sravanth K Hindupur1, Asier González1, Michael N Hall1

  • 1Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH4056 Basel, Switzerland.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|August 5, 2015
PubMed

Insights

The target of rapamycin (TOR) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are key regulators of cell growth. This review highlights their opposing roles in balancing anabolic and catabolic processes for cellular homeostasis.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cell growth requires a balance between anabolic and catabolic processes.
  • The target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway promotes growth, responding to nutrients and growth factors.
  • AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibits growth during energy stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical roles of TOR and AMPK in cell growth regulation.
  • To emphasize the mutually antagonistic signaling between TOR and AMPK.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of conserved eukaryotic signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms governing cell growth.
  • Integration of data on nutrient and energy stress responses.

Main Results:

  • TOR and AMPK are conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution.
  • TOR signaling promotes anabolic processes, driving cell growth.
  • AMPK signaling suppresses anabolic processes, conserving energy.

Conclusions:

  • TOR and AMPK act antagonistically to control cell growth.
  • This balance is fundamental for maintaining cellular homeostasis.
  • Understanding these pathways is crucial for metabolic and growth research.

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