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Published on: October 8, 2015
Ring domains are essential for GATOR2-dependent mTORC1 activation.
Cong Jiang1, Xiaoming Dai1, Shaohui He2
1Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
The Ring domains of the GATOR2 complex are crucial for sensing amino acids and activating mTORC1 signaling. Disruption impairs nutrient sensing, leading to severe growth defects and embryonic lethality in mice.
Area of Science:
- Cellular signaling
- Molecular biology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- The GATOR2-GATOR1 pathway regulates mTORC1 activation based on amino acid availability.
- The precise molecular role of the GATOR2 complex has remained elusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular function of the GATOR2 complex in amino acid sensing.
- To investigate the role of Ring domains within GATOR2 components.
Main Methods:
- Genetic disruption of Ring domains in GATOR2 components (Mios, WDR24, WDR59).
- Analysis of mTORC1 activation, protein ubiquitination, and complex integrity.
- Assessment of physiological consequences in mouse models.
Main Results:
- Disruption of Mios, WDR24, or WDR59 Ring domains abolished amino acid-dependent mTORC1 activation.
- Mios Ring domain maintains GATOR2 integrity; its disruption causes WDR24 self-ubiquitination.
- Leucine stimulation triggers Sestrin2 dissociation, leading to NPRL2 ubiquitination and GATOR1 inactivation.
- WDR24 ablation or Ring deletion caused embryonic lethality at E10.5.
Conclusions:
- Ring domains are essential for GATOR2 function in transmitting amino acid signals to mTORC1.
- GATOR2-mediated nutrient sensing is vital for embryonic development.
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