What controls TOR?

IUBMB Life. 2008 Aug;60(8):483-96. doi: 10.1002/iub.56.

Abstract

The target of rapamycin (TOR) is a protein kinase with numerous functions in cell growth control. Some of these functions can be potently inhibited by rapamycin, an immunosuppressive and potential anticancer drug. TOR exists as part of two functionally distinct protein complexes. The functions of TOR complex 1 (TORC1) are effectively inhibited by rapamycin, but the mechanism for this inhibition remains elusive. The identification of TORC2 and recent reports that rapamycin can inhibit TORC2 functions, in some cases, challenge current models of TOR regulation. This review discusses the latest findings in yeast and mammals on the possible mechanisms that control TOR activity leading to its many cellular functions

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Components
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / genetics*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins / metabolism*
  • Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins
  • Sirolimus / metabolism
  • Species Specificity
  • Yeasts

Substances

  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins
  • Schizosaccharomyces pombe Proteins
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • target of rapamycin protein, S cerevisiae
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Rheb protein, S pombe
  • Sirolimus