Abstract

mTOR is the central kinase in biochemical pathways that regulate cellular growth, protein synthesis and cell survival. Deregulation of mTOR signaling results in uncontrolled cell proliferation and hence is implicated in various cancers and autoimmune diseases. mTOR functions through two distinct signaling complexes, called mTORC1 and mTORC2. CCT is a cytosolic chaperonin that assists in folding of several protein substrates. In these studies, we have identified two components of the mTOR complexes, mLST8 and Raptor, as substrates of CCT. We have performed biochemical and signaling studies which indicate that CCT is involved in assembly and signaling of mTOR complexes by folding β-propeller domains of mLST8 and Raptor. We have also obtained high resolution structural information of the mLST8-CCT complex by cryo-EM and mass spectrometric cross-linking. Moreover, we have explored the role of PhLP1 as a co-chaperone for CCT in the assembly of mTOR complexes. Interestingly, we found that PhLP1 plays very different roles in the case of mLST8 and Raptor. While PhLP1 participate in assembly of mLST8 into mTOR complexes, it facilitates degradation of Raptor. These biochemical data, combined with structural information, can be used to design small molecules that modulate mTOR signaling by affecting the formation of intact mTOR complexes.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry

Rights

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