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The multifaceted role of mTORC1 in the control of lipid metabolism
Author(s) -
Ricoult Stéphane J H,
Manning Brendan D
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
embo reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.584
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1469-3178
pISSN - 1469-221X
DOI - 10.1038/embor.2013.5
Subject(s) - mtorc1 , autophagy , nutrient sensing , biology , regulator , microbiology and biotechnology , lipid metabolism , mechanistic target of rapamycin , signalling , lipolysis , kinase , tor signaling , signal transduction , pi3k/akt/mtor pathway , biochemistry , adipose tissue , gene , apoptosis
The mechanistic target of rapamycin is a protein kinase that, as part of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), senses both local nutrients and, through insulin signalling, systemic nutrients to control a myriad of cellular processes. Although roles for mTORC1 in promoting protein synthesis and inhibiting autophagy in response to nutrients have been well established, it is emerging as a central regulator of lipid homeostasis. Here, we discuss the growing genetic and pharmacological evidence demonstrating the functional importance of its signalling in controlling mammalian lipid metabolism, including lipid synthesis, oxidation, transport, storage and lipolysis, as well as adipocyte differentiation and function. Defining the role of mTORC1 signalling in these metabolic processes is crucial to understanding the pathophysiology of obesity and its relationship to complex diseases, including diabetes and cancer.