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Who does TORC2 talk to?
Jianling Xie1, Xuemin Wang1,2, Christopher G Proud3,2
1Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
Abstract:
The target of rapamycin (TOR) is a protein kinase that, by forming complexes with partner proteins, governs diverse cellular signalling networks to regulate a wide range of processes. TOR thus plays central roles in maintaining normal cellular functions and, when dysregulated, in diverse diseases. TOR forms two distinct types of multiprotein complexes (TOR complexes 1 and 2, TORC1 and TORC2). TORC1 and TORC2 differ in their composition, their control and their substrates, so that they play quite distinct roles in cellular physiology. Much effort has been focused on deciphering the detailed regulatory links within the TOR pathways and the structure and control of TOR complexes. In this review, we summarize recent advances in understanding mammalian (m) TORC2, its structure, its regulation, and its substrates, which link TORC2 signalling to the control of cell functions. It is now clear that TORC2 regulates several aspects of cell metabolism, including lipogenesis and glucose transport. It also regulates gene transcription, the cytoskeleton, and the activity of a subset of other protein kinases.
Insights
The target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2) is a key protein kinase regulating cell metabolism, gene transcription, and the cytoskeleton. Understanding TORC2
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The target of rapamycin (TOR) is a crucial protein kinase involved in cellular signaling.
- TOR functions through two distinct complexes: TOR complex 1 (TORC1) and TOR complex 2 (TORC2).
- TOR dysregulation is implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding mammalian TOR complex 2 (mTORC2).
- To elucidate the structure, regulation, and substrates of mTORC2.
- To connect mTORC2 signaling to the control of essential cell functions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on mTORC2.
- Analysis of studies detailing mTORC2 composition, control, and substrates.
- Synthesis of findings on mTORC2's role in cellular physiology.
Main Results:
- mTORC2 regulates critical cellular processes including lipogenesis and glucose transport.
- mTORC2 influences gene transcription and cytoskeletal organization.
- mTORC2 impacts the activity of other protein kinases.
Conclusions:
- mTORC2 is a vital regulator of cell metabolism and function.
- Further understanding of mTORC2 pathways is crucial for disease research.
- mTORC2's diverse roles highlight its significance in cellular homeostasis.
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