Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 27, 2026

Intracellular Phosphoflow Cytometry of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient-Derived Xenotransplants
Published on: June 6, 2025
Signaling crosstalk between the mTOR complexes
1Centre for Biological Sciences; University of Southampton; Southampton, UK.
Abstract:
mTOR is a protein kinase which integrates a variety of environmental and intracellular stimuli to positively regulate many anabolic processes of the cell, including protein synthesis. It exists within two highly conserved multi-protein complexes known as mTORC1 and 2 mTORC2. Each of these complexes phosphorylates different downstream targets, and play roles in different cellular functions. They also show distinctive sensitivity to the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin. Nevertheless, despite their biochemical and functional differences, recent studies have suggested that the regulation of these complexes is tightly linked to each other. For instance, both mTORC1 and 2 share some common upstream signaling molecules, such as PI3K and tuberous sclerosis complex TSC, which control their activation. Stimulation of the mTOR complexes may also trigger both positive and negative feedback mechanisms, which then in turn either further enhance or suppress their activation. Here, we summarize some recently discovered features relating to the crosstalk between mTORC1 and 2. We then discuss how aberrant mTOR complex crosstalk mechanisms may have an impact on the development of human diseases and drug resistance.
Insights
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway involves two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, that regulate cell growth. Recent findings reveal intricate crosstalk between these complexes, impacting human diseases and drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key protein kinase regulating cellular anabolic processes like protein synthesis.
- mTOR exists in two distinct multi-protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, each with unique targets and functions.
- While sensitive to rapamycin differently, mTORC1 and mTORC2 share upstream regulators and exhibit linked activation patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recently discovered features of crosstalk between mTORC1 and mTORC2.
- To discuss the implications of aberrant mTOR complex crosstalk in human diseases.
- To explore the role of mTOR complex crosstalk in the development of drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling.
- Analysis of shared upstream signaling molecules (e.g., PI3K, TSC).
- Examination of feedback mechanisms influencing mTOR complex activation.
Main Results:
- mTORC1 and mTORC2, despite functional differences, are tightly regulated and interconnected.
- Shared signaling pathways and feedback loops demonstrate complex crosstalk.
- Aberrant crosstalk contributes to disease pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding mTORC1/mTORC2 crosstalk is crucial for deciphering cellular regulation.
- Dysregulated mTOR signaling pathways offer potential therapeutic targets.
- Further research into mTOR complex interactions may yield novel strategies for disease treatment and overcoming drug resistance.
More Related Videos
09:37A RANKL-based Osteoclast Culture Assay of Mouse Bone Marrow to Investigate the Role of mTORC1 in Osteoclast Formation
Published on: March 15, 2018
08:04Isolation of Primary Mouse Hepatocytes for Nascent Protein Synthesis Analysis by Non-radioactive L-azidohomoalanine Labeling Method
Published on: October 23, 2018
Related Concept Videos
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
MAPK Signaling Cascades