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The Rheb-TORC1 signaling axis functions as a developmental checkpoint
Tam Duong1, Neal R Rasmussen1, Elliot Ballato1
1Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|February 12, 2020
Summary
The small GTPase Rheb-1 and TORC1 pathway are crucial for development in C. elegans. TORC1 acts as a developmental checkpoint, ensuring progression through life stages.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The small GTPase Rheb regulates TOR complex 1 (TORC1) activity, impacting anabolism, catabolism, lifespan, development, and autophagy in eukaryotes.
- TORC1 is a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Rheb-1 and TORC1 in the development of Caenorhabditis elegans.
- To determine if TORC1 functions as a developmental checkpoint.
Main Methods:
- CRISPR-generated, fluorescently tagged endogenous RHEB-1 and DAF-15/Raptor in C. elegans.
- RNAi-mediated depletion of TORC1 components.
- Conditional depletion of endogenous DAF-15/Raptor in somatic cells.
Main Results:
- Deletion of RHEB-1 caused arrest at the third larval stage (L3).
- Depletion of TORC1 components led to arrest at earlier larval stages.
- TORC1 is required at each life cycle stage for progression, acting as a developmental checkpoint.
Conclusions:
- TORC1 is essential for progression through each developmental stage in C. elegans.
- TORC1 functions as a critical checkpoint regulating developmental progression.
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