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Updated: Feb 9, 2026
Monitoring the Cancer-Immunity Cycle and Exploring Tumor Microenvironment Dynamics
Published on: June 7, 2024
DEPTOR at the Nexus of Cancer, Metabolism, and Immunity
Alexandre Caron1, David M Briscoe1, Denis Richard1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas ; Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts ; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts ; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval , Québec , Canada ; and Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Université Laval , Québec , Canada.
Abstract:
DEP domain-containing mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-interacting protein (DEPTOR) is an important modulator of mTOR, a kinase at the center of two important protein complexes named mTORC1 and mTORC2. These highly studied complexes play essential roles in regulating growth, metabolism, and immunity in response to mitogens, nutrients, and cytokines. Defects in mTOR signaling have been associated with the development of many diseases, including cancer and diabetes, and approaches aiming at modulating mTOR activity are envisioned as an attractive strategy to improve human health. DEPTOR interaction with mTOR represses its kinase activity and rewires the mTOR signaling pathway. Over the last years, several studies have revealed key roles for DEPTOR in numerous biological and pathological processes. Here, we provide the current state of the knowledge regarding the cellular and physiological functions of DEPTOR by focusing on its impact on the mTOR pathway and its role in promoting health and disease.
Insights
DEPTOR protein regulates mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling, impacting cell growth, metabolism, and immunity. Understanding DEPTOR
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for cell growth, metabolism, and immunity.
- Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is implicated in diseases like cancer and diabetes.
- DEPTOR (DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein) is a key modulator of mTOR kinase activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of DEPTOR's cellular and physiological functions.
- To highlight DEPTOR's impact on the mTOR pathway.
- To elucidate DEPTOR's role in health and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on DEPTOR and mTOR signaling.
- Analysis of DEPTOR's interaction with mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes.
- Examination of DEPTOR's involvement in various biological processes and diseases.
Main Results:
- DEPTOR directly interacts with and inhibits mTOR kinase activity.
- DEPTOR's interaction with mTOR leads to rewiring of the mTOR signaling pathway.
- DEPTOR plays significant roles in numerous biological and pathological processes.
Conclusions:
- DEPTOR is a critical regulator of mTOR signaling with broad implications for health and disease.
- Targeting DEPTOR may offer therapeutic strategies for mTOR-related disorders.
- Further research into DEPTOR's functions is essential for understanding and treating diseases.
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