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Published on: June 6, 2025
mTORC1 phosphorylates and stabilizes LST2 to negatively regulate EGFR
Stefania Battaglioni1, Louise-Marie Craigie1, Sofia Filippini1
1Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel 4056, Switzerland.
Abstract:
TORC1 (target of rapamycin complex 1) is a highly conserved protein kinase that plays a central role in regulating cell growth. Given the role of mammalian TORC1 (mTORC1) in metabolism and disease, understanding mTORC1 downstream signaling and feedback loops is important. mTORC1 recognizes some of its substrates via a five amino acid binding sequence called the TOR signaling (TOS) motif. mTORC1 binding to a TOS motif facilitates phosphorylation of a distinct, distal site. Here, we show that LST2, also known as ZFYVE28, contains a TOS motif (amino acids 401 to 405) and is directly phosphorylated by mTORC1 at serine 670 (S670). mTORC1-mediated S670 phosphorylation promotes LST2 monoubiquitination on lysine 87 (K87). Monoubiquitinated LST2 is stable and displays a broad reticular distribution. When mTORC1 is inactive, unphosphorylated LST2 is degraded by the proteasome. The absence of LST2 enhances EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) signaling. We propose that mTORC1 negatively feeds back on its upstream receptor EGFR via LST2.
Insights
Target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) directly phosphorylates LST2, a protein that regulates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. This interaction reveals a novel negative feedback loop where mTORC1 inhibits EGFR signaling through LST2.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) is a crucial regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and disease.
- Understanding downstream signaling and feedback mechanisms of mammalian TORC1 (mTORC1) is vital.
- mTORC1 recognizes substrates via the TOR signaling (TOS) motif, facilitating phosphorylation at distal sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between mTORC1 and its substrates.
- To identify novel downstream effectors of mTORC1 signaling.
- To elucidate the role of LST2 in mTORC1-mediated cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Identification of the TOS motif in LST2 (amino acids 401-405).
- In vitro phosphorylation assays to confirm mTORC1-mediated phosphorylation of LST2 at S670.
- Analysis of LST2 ubiquitination and stability in response to mTORC1 activity.
- Assessment of EGFR signaling in the presence and absence of LST2.
Main Results:
- LST2 contains a functional TOS motif and is directly phosphorylated by mTORC1 at S670.
- mTORC1-dependent S670 phosphorylation of LST2 promotes its monoubiquitination at K87, stabilizing the protein.
- Monoubiquitinated LST2 exhibits a stable, reticular distribution.
- Unphosphorylated LST2 is proteasomally degraded upon mTORC1 inactivation.
- Loss of LST2 leads to enhanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling.
Conclusions:
- mTORC1 directly phosphorylates LST2, stabilizing it via monoubiquitination.
- LST2 acts as a negative regulator of EGFR signaling.
- mTORC1 negatively feeds back on upstream EGFR signaling through the LST2 protein.
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