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Updated: Mar 28, 2026

Reconstitution of Msp1 Extraction Activity with Fully Purified Components
Published on: August 10, 2021
Multiple amino acid sensing inputs to mTORC1
Mitsugu Shimobayashi1, Michael N Hall1
1Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
The evolutionarily conserved target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) is a master regulator of cell growth and metabolism. In mammals, growth factors and cellular energy stimulate mTORC1 activity through inhibition of the TSC complex (TSC1-TSC2-TBC1D7), a negative regulator of mTORC1. Amino acids signal to mTORC1 independently of the TSC complex. Here, we review recently identified regulators that link amino acid sufficiency to mTORC1 activity and how mutations affecting these regulators cause human disease.
Insights
The target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) controls cell growth. New regulators link amino acid levels to TORC1, and their mutations cause human diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- The target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) is a crucial regulator of cell growth and metabolism, conserved across evolution.
- mTORC1 activity in mammals is influenced by growth factors and energy status via the TSC complex, a negative regulator.
- Amino acids signal to mTORC1 through pathways independent of the TSC complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review newly discovered regulators connecting amino acid sufficiency to mTORC1.
- To explore the link between mutations in these regulators and human diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on mTORC1 regulation.
- Analysis of genetic studies identifying disease-associated mutations.
Main Results:
- Identification of key regulators that mediate amino acid signaling to mTORC1.
- Association of dysregulated signaling pathways with various human pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding these amino acid-sensing pathways is vital for comprehending mTORC1-related diseases.
- Further research into these regulators may offer therapeutic targets for metabolic and growth disorders.
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